This Roasted Garlic Potato Soup is a comforting vegan dish with a rich, creamy texture and a deep, savory flavor thanks to roasted garlic. Made with simple ingredients like potatoes, vegetable broth, and plant-based cream, it comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for chilly evenings and pairs beautifully with crispy bread croutons.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 12–14 cloves (60–70g) garlic, peeled

• 60g (¼ cup) olive oil

• Sea salt, to taste

• 500g (1.1 lb) potatoes, peeled and cubed

• Water, for boiling potatoes

• 250–350ml (1–1½ cups) vegetable broth (adjust for desired consistency)

• 60ml (¼ cup) soy or oat cream (or plant-based milk or more broth)

• 3 tbsp nutritional yeast

• 1 tsp onion powder (optional)

• Black pepper, to taste

For Optional Croutons:

• 2–4 slices of old bread (at least 1 day old)

• Olive oil (use leftover garlic oil if available)

• Black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Roast the Garlic:
   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place peeled garlic cloves in a small baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with sea salt. Roast for 15–20 minutes until golden and soft. Let cool slightly.

2. Boil the Potatoes:
   Cut potatoes into cubes and boil in salted water until tender. Drain well.

3. Blend the Soup:
   Add boiled potatoes, roasted garlic (without oil), vegetable broth, plant-based cream, nutritional yeast, onion powder, and black pepper to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning and consistency with additional broth, salt, or pepper if needed.

4. Make Croutons (Optional):
   Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Cut bread into cubes and toss with olive oil and pepper. Bake on a lined tray for about 10 minutes or until crispy.

5. Serve:
   Ladle soup into bowls and top with a swirl of cream, a drizzle of garlic oil, and crispy croutons.

Nutrients (Approximate per serving, without croutons)

• Calories: 388 kcal

• Fat: 15g

• Saturated Fat: 2g

• Carbohydrates: 54g

• Fiber: 6.5g

• Sugar: 4.6g

• Protein: 11.9g

• Sodium: 1651mg

• Potassium: 1258mg

• Iron: 2.9mg

• Calcium: 82mg

Depth of Flavor Through Roasting

Roasting garlic is a culinary technique that unlocks the hidden sweetness and nutty undertones of garlic cloves. As they bake slowly in olive oil, the cloves soften and develop a golden hue, releasing a fragrant aroma that fills the kitchen with anticipation. This roasted garlic not only enhances the flavor of the soup but also contributes a gentle richness and natural umami that builds depth without overpowering the dish.

Incorporating roasted garlic rather than raw or sautéed garlic creates a smoother, mellower flavor profile, making the soup feel luxurious and comforting. This careful attention to ingredient preparation is what transforms a simple soup into a memorable meal.

Creamy, Vegan Comfort in Every Spoonful

The base of the soup is made from tender boiled potatoes, which are naturally starchy and creamy when blended. When combined with vegetable broth and plant-based cream—such as soy or oat cream—the soup gains a smooth, silky texture without the use of dairy. This makes it ideal for vegans, those with lactose intolerance, or anyone seeking a lighter alternative to traditional creamy soups.

Nutritional yeast is added for its subtle cheesy and savory flavor, as well as for its nutritional benefits including B vitamins and protein. It helps round out the soup’s flavor and contributes to a more complex taste that mimics traditional cream-based recipes.

Balanced Nutrition and Satiety

This soup is a balanced meal in itself, offering a good source of complex carbohydrates from potatoes that provide lasting energy. The fiber content aids digestion and promotes fullness, making it satisfying without heaviness.

Olive oil adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that support cardiovascular health, while the plant-based cream contributes additional healthy fats and a creamy consistency. Nutritional yeast further enhances protein content, making this a protein-rich soup for a plant-based dish.

Potassium from potatoes supports muscle function and electrolyte balance, and the moderate sodium content can be adjusted to taste for those monitoring their salt intake.

Optional Crunch with Homemade Croutons

To complement the creamy texture of the soup, crispy homemade croutons provide an irresistible crunch and textural contrast. Using day-old bread tossed in olive oil (or leftover garlic oil for extra flavor) and baked until golden, these croutons add a rustic, comforting element. They’re an excellent way to add dimension to the bowl without complicating the dish.

The croutons can be seasoned simply with black pepper or customized with herbs and spices like rosemary or smoked paprika to enhance the flavor pairing with the soup.

Quick and Simple Preparation

This recipe is designed to be easy and efficient, coming together in under 30 minutes. The roasting and boiling steps can overlap, and blending creates a seamless finish with minimal cleanup. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a soothing meal that doesn’t require extensive prep.

The soup can be made entirely ahead of time and reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave, making it ideal for meal prep or batch cooking. Leftovers maintain their flavor and texture well, offering convenience and consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this roasted garlic potato soup warm in deep bowls, garnished with a swirl of plant-based cream or a drizzle of the garlic-infused olive oil used for roasting. A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or chives adds color and freshness.

Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to create a well-rounded, satisfying meal. For a heartier option, add toasted nuts or seeds as garnish for an added crunch and nutritional boost.

Culinary Versatility

This soup is highly adaptable. You can experiment by adding other root vegetables such as parsnips or celery root for subtle flavor variation, or incorporate leafy greens like kale or spinach toward the end of cooking for extra nutrients. Adjust the thickness by varying the amount of broth or cream based on preference.

For an extra burst of flavor, try incorporating smoked paprika or a hint of chili flakes. A squeeze of lemon juice before serving can also brighten the flavors and add a refreshing note.

Conclusion

The Roasted Garlic Potato Soup is an exemplary vegan comfort food that balances simplicity, nutrition, and indulgence in every creamy spoonful. Its deep, savory flavor from roasted garlic combined with the smooth richness of blended potatoes and coconut cream make it a dish that satisfies cravings while nourishing the body.

Easy to prepare and versatile, this soup is perfect for cozy dinners, entertaining guests, or meal prepping for busy days. Its elegant yet rustic character demonstrates how humble ingredients can be transformed into a heartwarming meal that feels both special and accessible. Whether served with homemade croutons or enjoyed on its own, this soup promises warmth, comfort, and satisfaction all year round.