Here are five high-protein, vegetarian soup recipes that use simple ingredients.
If you want to boost the protein content, consider adding small amounts of nutritional yeast. Only 2 tablespoons adds 5g of protein and an extra 50 calories.
1. Lentil and Vegetable Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add the lentils, zucchini, broth, diced tomatoes, and cumin. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.
Protein per serving: ~12g
2. Chickpea and Spinach Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 4 cups baby spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh lemon juice to taste
Instructions:
- Sauté the onion and garlic in a large pot until softened.
- Add cumin and coriander, stir for 1-2 minutes.
- Add chickpeas and broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon.
Protein per serving: ~10g
3. Quinoa and Black Bean Soup
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Sauté the onion and garlic in a pot until softened.
- Add the quinoa, black beans, tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and broth. Bring to a boil.
- Lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until quinoa is cooked.
- Season with salt and pepper, garnish with cilantro.
Protein per serving: ~15g
4. Pea and Mint Soup
Ingredients:
- 4 cups green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Fresh mint leaves (about 1/4 cup)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (optional, for extra protein)
Instructions:
- Sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
- Add peas and vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Blend the soup with mint leaves until smooth. Stir in Greek yogurt for extra protein if desired.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Protein per serving: ~9g (13g with Greek yogurt)
5. Tofu Miso Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 block firm tofu, cubed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 3 tbsp miso paste
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 cup baby spinach or seaweed (optional)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Bring vegetable broth to a simmer.
- In a small bowl, mix miso paste with a bit of hot broth until smooth, then add it to the pot.
- Add tofu, green onions, and spinach or seaweed. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
Protein per serving: ~12g
Enjoy these easy, high-protein vegetarian soups!