Easy Vietnamese Style Vegetarian Curry Soup Recipe That Warms The Soul

Crafting a delightful vietnamese style vegetarian curry soup brings comfort and warmth to your kitchen.

Fragrant spices dance through this vibrant broth, creating layers of complex flavors.

Coconut milk adds creamy richness that softens the gentle heat of carefully selected herbs.

Tender vegetables swim gracefully in this aromatic liquid, promising a nourishing meal.

Fresh ingredients collaborate to produce a symphony of taste that feels both exotic and familiar.

Crisp herbs scattered on top provide a final burst of freshness that will make you want to savor every single spoonful.

You’ll find this recipe surprisingly simple yet remarkably satisfying.

What Makes Vietnamese Style Vegetarian Curry Soup Shine

• Unleash Vibrant Flavors: Dive into a world of bold, zesty Vietnamese-inspired tastes that dance on your palate with every spoonful of this aromatic curry soup.
• Nutrition Packed Powerhouse: Loaded with colorful vegetables, protein-rich tofu, and a medley of spices, this soup delivers a wholesome meal that nourishes your body and delights your senses.
• Stress-Free Cooking Adventure: With simple step-by-step instructions and readily available ingredients, this recipe welcomes both novice and experienced cooks to create a restaurant-quality dish right in their own kitchen.
• Comfort in a Bowl: Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a warm, satisfying meal that provides comfort and excitement simultaneously, this vegetarian curry soup offers a soul-warming experience that brings people together.

Everything In Vietnamese Style Vegetarian Curry Soup

• Vegetable Stock: Core liquid base that provides depth and savory flavor to the curry soup.
• Water: Helps balance the soup's consistency and volume.
• Coconut Milk: Adds rich, creamy texture and authentic Vietnamese curry profile.

• Tofu: Provides plant-based protein and absorbs the curry's complex flavors.
• Green Pepper, Carrots, Mushrooms: Create a hearty vegetable medley with varied textures and nutritional value.
• Potatoes: Adds substantial body and creates a filling element to the soup.

• Onion, Shallots, Garlic: Create a foundational flavor base with depth and complexity.
• Ginger, Lemongrass: Introduce bright, zesty notes typical in Vietnamese cuisine.
• Curry Powder: Delivers warm, spicy undertones characteristic of the dish.
• Fish Sauce: Provides umami and traditional Vietnamese seasoning.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and spicy dimension.
• Bay Leaf, Lime Leaves: Contribute layers of herbal and citrusy background notes.

• Bean Sprouts, Cilantro: Fresh toppings that add crunch, brightness, and visual appeal.

Cooking Guide For Vietnamese Style Vegetarian Curry Soup

Step 1: Sauté Fragrant Base

In a large stockpot, warm the oil over medium heat. Gently cook onions and shallots until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet, mellow flavors.

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation

Add garlic, ginger, lemongrass, and curry powder to the pot. Let these ingredients dance together for about 5 minutes, creating a rich, aromatic base that will infuse the entire soup with deep, complex flavors.

Step 3: Introduce Hearty Vegetables

• Green peppers
• Carrots
• Mushrooms
• Tofu

Stir the vegetables to coat them in the spice-infused oil, allowing them to begin absorbing the incredible aromatics.

Step 4: Create Liquid Harmony

Pour in vegetable stock and water.

• Fish sauce
• Red pepper flakes
• Bay leaf
• Lime leaves

These ingredients will create a balanced, vibrant broth that tingles with excitement.

Step 5: Incorporate Creamy Richness

Add potatoes and coconut milk to the simmering pot.

The coconut milk will transform the soup into a creamy, luxurious experience.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and let it gently simmer.

Allow 40 to 60 minutes for the potatoes to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 7: Finish with Fresh Flourish

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

• Fresh bean sprouts
• Chopped cilantro

Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant, comforting flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.

Helpful Tips For Vietnamese Style Vegetarian Curry Soup

• Swap fish sauce with soy sauce or liquid aminos to make the dish fully vegetarian and suitable for plant-based diets.
• Choose firm tofu and press out excess moisture before adding to the soup for better texture and absorption of curry flavors.
• Add more red pepper flakes gradually to control spice level and suit individual heat preferences.
• Include additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to increase nutritional value and create more depth in the curry soup.
• Let the soup simmer longer for more intense flavors, and consider preparing it a day ahead to allow ingredients to meld together perfectly.

Fresh Ideas For Vietnamese Style Vegetarian Curry Soup

• Spicy Thai Curry Soup: Replace curry powder with red Thai curry paste, add bamboo shoots, and increase red pepper flakes for a bolder heat profile.
• Coconut Lentil Curry Soup: Swap tofu with red lentils, include spinach, and use garam masala instead of curry powder for an Indian-inspired version.
• Roasted Vegetable Curry Soup: Precook vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and mushrooms in the oven before adding to the soup for deeper caramelized flavors.
• Creamy Green Curry Soup: Incorporate green curry paste, zucchini, and swap bay leaves with kaffir lime leaves for a vibrant Southeast Asian flavor experience.

Great Matches For Vietnamese Style Vegetarian Curry Soup

• Boost Flavor Harmony: Pair this Vietnamese vegetarian curry soup with crisp, refreshing accompaniments that complement its rich, aromatic profile.
• Sip Perfect Wine: Choose a slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer to balance the soup's spicy and creamy notes, cutting through the coconut milk's richness.
• Enhance with Side Dish: Serve alongside fresh spring rolls or a light papaya salad, which will provide a cool, crunchy contrast to the warm, velvety soup.
• Match Beverage Texture: Select a cold Vietnamese iced tea with milk, whose smoothness echoes the soup's creamy coconut base while offering a subtle sweetness that refreshes the palate.

How To Keep Vietnamese Style Vegetarian Curry Soup Fresh

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the garnishes separate to maintain their freshness and crunch.
• Freezer Preservation: Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing with bean sprouts and cilantro.
• Reheating on Stovetop: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of vegetable stock if the soup seems too thick.
• Microwave Reheating: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

Vietnamese Style Vegetarian Curry Soup FAQs Made Easy

• What gives this curry soup its unique Vietnamese flavor?

The combination of lemongrass, ginger, curry powder, and traditional Southeast Asian herbs like bay and lime leaves create the distinctive Vietnamese taste profile.

• Is this curry soup spicy?

The soup has a mild to moderate heat level from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less according to your preference.

• Can I substitute tofu with another protein?

Yes, you can replace tofu with tempeh, seitan, or plant-based chicken alternatives to maintain the vegetarian nature of the dish.

• How nutritious is this vegetarian curry soup?

The soup is packed with vegetables like green peppers, carrots, and mushrooms, providing a good balance of nutrients, fiber, and plant-based protein from tofu.

Vietnamese Style Vegetarian Curry Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 60 to 80 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spicy Vietnamese Style Vegetarian Curry Soup delivers hearty comfort in a bowl, blending rich coconut milk with aromatic herbs and tender vegetables. Nourishing spices and fresh ingredients create a delightful culinary journey you will savor with each comforting spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Vegetables:

• 1 pound fried tofu, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 green bell pepper, coarsely chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diagonally sliced
• 8 mushrooms, sliced
• 8 small potatoes, quartered
• 2 cups fresh bean sprouts
• 8 sprigs fresh chopped cilantro

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 onion, coarsely chopped
• 2 shallots, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2-inch piece fresh ginger root, thinly sliced
• 1 stalk lemon grass, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 4 tablespoons curry powder
• 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 makrut lime leaves
• 2 tablespoons vegetarian fish sauce

Liquids and Cooking Base:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 4 cups water
• 1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious stockpot over medium temperature, gently sweating onions and shallots until they become soft and translucent.
2. Introduce minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, finely chopped lemongrass, and aromatic curry powder. Allow the spices to bloom and release their intense flavors for approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Incorporate diced green pepper, sliced carrots, quartered mushrooms, and cubed tofu into the fragrant base, stirring to coat with the spice mixture.
4. Stream in vegetable stock and water, then enhance with umami-rich fish sauce, fiery red pepper flakes, a single bay leaf, and exotic lime leaves.
5. Elevate the heat to create a rolling boil, then gently fold in chunky potato pieces and creamy coconut milk.
6. Once the liquid returns to a bubbling state, reduce the flame to a gentle simmer. Allow the curry to slowly develop its flavors and tenderize the potatoes for 45-55 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Ladle the steaming curry into serving bowls, crowning each portion with a generous sprinkle of crisp bean sprouts and vibrant fresh cilantro leaves.

Notes

• Balance heat carefully to prevent burning delicate aromatics like ginger and lemongrass.
• Toast curry powder briefly to enhance its complex flavor profile without scorching.
• Consider swapping fish sauce with soy sauce or liquid aminos for a fully vegan version that maintains umami depth.
• Opt for firm or extra-firm tofu and press out excess moisture before adding to ensure better texture and absorption of curry flavors.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 to 70 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Vietnamese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg