Introduction:

When the first cool breeze of the season hits, I instantly start craving something warm and comforting, like a creamy vegetable soup. I remember the first time I tried this recipe—it was a chilly evening, and I wanted something cozy but not too heavy. I thought about traditional Portuguese and French soups that use potatoes for a silky texture and then decided to give it an Indian twist. This creamy, thick veggie soup was born from that moment, and I haven’t looked back since! Packed with flavors from familiar Indian spices and a touch of potato for creaminess, it quickly became a favorite in my kitchen.

 

Ingredients of Creamy Veg Soup

Oil: 1 tbsp
Bay leaf: 1 pc
Black pepper: 10-12 pcs
Cloves: 3-4 pcs
Cinnamon: 1 inch
Garlic: 8-10 cloves
Ginger (sliced): 1 inch
Green chili (slit): 2 pcs
Onion (diced): 3 pcs
Potato (diced): 2 pcs
Carrot: 1 pc
Water: as required
Salt: 1 tsp

 

Additional Ingredients for Final Cooking:

Oil: ½ tbsp
Butter: 1 tbsp
Carrot (chopped): ½ cup
French beans (chopped): ½ cup
Green peas: ½ cup
Prepared vegetable puree
Water: as required
Salt: to taste
Sugar: 1 tbsp
Fresh cream: 3 tbsp

 

Instructions of Creamy Veg Soup

 

Step 1: Prepare the Base in the Pressure Cooker

Heat the Oil: Begin by heating 1 tbsp oil in a pressure cooker over medium heat.
Add Aromatic Spices: Add the bay leaf, black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon. Allow these spices to release their aroma for a few seconds.
Sauté Garlic, Ginger, and Chili: Add garlic, ginger slices, and slit green chilies. Sauté until the garlic becomes golden brown.
Add Onions: Next, add the diced onions, stirring until they soften and turn translucent.
Incorporate Potatoes and Carrots: Add diced potatoes and carrots, stirring to coat them with the spices.
Add Water and Salt: Pour in water to cover the vegetables and season with salt. Close the cooker and cook for 3-4 whistles or until the vegetables are tender.

 

Step 2: Blend the Cooked Vegetables

Release Pressure: Once the pressure cooker has naturally released, open the lid.
Remove Whole Spices: Remove the bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper if a milder taste is desired.
Blend to Smooth Puree: Using a blender or immersion blender, blend the cooked vegetables into a smooth, creamy puree. Set the puree aside.

 

Step 3: Cook Fresh Vegetables

Heat Oil and Butter: In a separate pan, heat ½ tbsp oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
Sauté Fresh Vegetables: Add chopped carrots, French beans, and green peas, and sauté until they’re slightly tender but still crisp.

 

Step 4: Combine Puree and Fresh Vegetables

Add Puree: Pour the prepared vegetable puree into the pan with the sautéed vegetables.
Adjust Consistency: Add water to achieve the desired soup consistency and stir to combine.
Season: Add salt to taste and sugar to balance the flavors, allowing the soup to simmer for a few minutes.

 

Step 5: Final Touch with Cream

Add Fresh Cream: Stir in 3 tbsp fresh cream to give the soup a smooth, creamy finish.
Simmer: Let the soup simmer for another 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
Serve Hot: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish if desired, and enjoy hot.

 

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About the Recipe:

This Indian-style creamy vegetable soup combines the hearty comfort of traditional soups with the warm spices we love in our cuisine. Potatoes add a natural thickness, while a blend of garlic, ginger, and mild whole spices brings depth to the broth. A light garnish of butter-sautéed veggies adds texture and a burst of color. The optional touch of cream adds smoothness but can be skipped to keep the soup light. Whether you add the cream or skip it, this soup delivers on richness without being heavy.

 

Cooking Tips:

Balance of Spices:

For a gentle warmth, use whole spices like bay leaf, cinnamon, and cloves sparingly. This keeps the soup comforting without overwhelming the vegetables’ natural flavors.

Potato Texture:

Make sure the potato is well-cooked before blending. This will help create a smooth, thick base without the need for added cream.

Customizable Thickness:

If the soup becomes too thick after blending, add a little water or vegetable stock to reach your desired consistency.

 

 

Pairing Guide:

This creamy vegetable soup pairs wonderfully with crusty garlic bread or a simple salad on the side. For a complete, comforting meal, serve it alongside a light, herby rice or a slice of warm, toasted multigrain bread. A cool glass of lemon mint drink or even a mild, soothing tea like chamomile makes a great pairing to balance the soup’s warmth.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions:

 

What makes this creamy vegetable soup unique?

The Indian spices added to the soup give it a unique twist, creating a comforting, warm flavor profile that stands out from traditional creamy vegetable soups.

Can I skip the cream in this recipe?

Yes, the soup’s creaminess mainly comes from the potato, so you can skip the cream to keep it lighter while still enjoying a smooth texture.

How do I thicken the soup without potatoes?

You can use other thickening vegetables like pumpkin or a spoonful of cornstarch, but potatoes offer the best creamy consistency.

Is this soup vegan-friendly?

It can easily be made vegan by omitting the cream or replacing it with a dairy-free alternative.

Can I make this soup spicy?

For more heat, add a slit green chili or a pinch of black pepper while cooking.

What vegetables work best in this soup?

Carrots, beans, and green peas add both flavor and color, but feel free to add other veggies like zucchini or corn.

How long does this soup last in the fridge?

It can be stored for up to three days in an airtight container. Reheat on low to avoid splitting the cream.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, freeze it without the cream and add fresh cream when reheating if desired.

How can I make the soup smoother?

Use an immersion blender for an extra-smooth texture, or blend in small batches for a creamy consistency.

What can I add for a protein boost?

Try adding boiled chickpeas or a handful of spinach for added nutrients and protein.

 

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Final Touches:

This creamy vegetable soup brings a touch of warmth to any chilly evening. The combination of tender vegetables, warming spices, and optional cream makes it both delicious and versatile. Customize it to suit your taste, and it’s sure to become a winter favorite.