Introduction

This creamy Vegan Carrot Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, blending sweet carrots and hearty potatoes into a velvety, nourishing bowl. After extensive testing, I’ve perfected this recipe to be both simple and deeply flavorful, relying on soaked cashews for a rich, dairy-free creaminess that will become a weeknight staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

The magic of this soup lies in humble, fresh ingredients. Sweet carrots and starchy potatoes form the base, while aromatics like onion, celery, and garlic build a savory foundation. Quality vegetable broth is key for the best flavor.

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
3 celery ribs, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 medium russet potatoes (about 12oz) peeled and cut into 1/2″ chunks
4 cups vegetable broth
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup cashews, soaked for 4 hours (see note for quick-soak method)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper

Timing

Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	30 minutes
Total Time	50 minutes

Context: This Vegan Carrot Potato Soup comes together in under an hour, making it about 20% faster than many blended soup recipes that require longer roasting. It’s a perfect make-ahead option, as the flavors deepen beautifully overnight in the fridge.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, chopped carrots, and celery. Sautéing means cooking these vegetables until they soften and the onion becomes translucent, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 2 — Add Garlic and Herbs

Add the minced garlic and dried thyme to the pot. Cook for just 1 minute, until fragrant. (Pro tip: Adding the garlic later prevents it from burning and becoming bitter).

Step 3 — Incorporate Potatoes and Broth

Stir in the chopped potatoes, vegetable broth, and the bay leaf. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are completely fork-tender.

Step 4 — Prepare the Cashew Cream

While the soup simmers, drain and rinse the soaked cashews. In my tests, I’ve found that a high-speed blender yields the smoothest cream. Blend the cashews with 3/4 cup of fresh water and the lemon juice until perfectly smooth and creamy, with no grit.

Step 5 — Blend the Soup

Once the vegetables are tender, remove the pot from heat and discard the bay leaf. Carefully transfer the soup in batches to your blender, or use an immersion blender directly in the pot. Blend until completely smooth. (Pro tip: For a super silky texture, you can strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve).

Step 6 — Finish and Season

Return the blended soup to the pot over low heat. Stir in the prepared cashew cream until fully incorporated. Unlike using dairy, this cashew cream adds richness without the risk of curdling. Warm through gently, then season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~245
Protein	7g
Carbohydrates	32g
Fat	11g
Fiber	6g
Sodium	~480mg

This creamy carrot and potato soup is a good source of Vitamin A and provides a solid plant-based protein boost from the cashews. Estimates are based on typical ingredients and a 1.5-cup serving size; values may vary depending on your specific broth and vegetable sizes.

Healthier Alternatives

Swap cashews for white beans — For a nut-free, lower-fat creaminess, blend in 1/2 cup of rinsed cannellini beans. The flavor becomes more savory and earthy.
Use sweet potatoes instead of russets — This increases the Vitamin A content and adds a deeper sweetness, perfect for a fall-inspired version.
Try coconut milk for the cream — Replace the cashew cream with 1/2 cup of full-fat coconut milk for a rich, tropical twist. Be mindful that this adds saturated fat.
Add a protein punch with red lentils — Stir in 1/3 cup of rinsed red lentils with the potatoes. They’ll cook down and thicken the soup while boosting protein and fiber.
Opt for low-sodium or homemade broth — This simple swap can reduce the sodium content by up to 40%, giving you full control over seasoning.
Boost greens at the end — Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or kale just before blending for an extra nutrient hit without altering the classic flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Top with a swirl of vegan pesto, a drizzle of chili oil, or crunchy roasted chickpeas for contrasting texture.
Serve alongside a crusty whole-grain bread or a simple arugula salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
This soup is ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or for elegant starter portions at a dinner party.
Pair with a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling water with lemon.
For a heartier bowl, add a scoop of cooked quinoa or brown rice directly into the soup.

This versatile vegan soup shines year-round. In summer, serve it slightly chilled as a refreshing vichyssoise, and in winter, enjoy it piping hot for maximum comfort.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake: Not soaking the cashews long enough. Fix: Soak for a full 4 hours or use the quick-soak method (pour boiling water over them and let sit for 20 minutes) to ensure a perfectly smooth, non-gritty cream.
Mistake: Adding garlic with the initial vegetables. Fix: Add the minced garlic in Step 2, after the onions and carrots have softened, to prevent it from burning and turning bitter.
Mistake: Blending the soup while it’s too hot. Fix: Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before blending in batches, and always remove the center cap from your blender lid and cover with a towel to allow steam to escape safely.
Mistake: Underseasoning at the end. Fix: Season your creamy carrot potato soup generously with salt and pepper after adding the cashew cream, as it will mute the flavors slightly. Taste and adjust.
Mistake: Cutting the potatoes too large. Fix: Keep potato chunks to a consistent 1/2-inch size so they cook evenly and become completely tender within the 25-minute simmer.
Mistake: Skipping the lemon juice in the cashew cream. Fix: That teaspoon of acid is crucial; it brightens the entire dish and cuts through the richness, balancing the flavors.

Storing Tips

Fridge: Cool the soup completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. In my tests, the flavors meld and improve over the first 48 hours.
Freezer: Portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving 1-inch headspace for expansion. It will keep for up to 3 months and retains about 95% of its nutrients and flavor.
Reheat: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches 165°F. If it thickens, thin it with a splash of broth or water.

This dairy-free carrot and potato soup is a meal-prep champion. Making a double batch ensures you have healthy, homemade lunches ready to go all week.

Conclusion

This creamy Vegan Carrot Potato Soup proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary comfort. Its velvety texture and rich flavor make it a foolproof, crowd-pleasing meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. For another hearty, vegetable-packed option, try this Vegetable Cabbage Soup Recipe. I hope this recipe becomes a favorite in your home—share your results in the comments!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many servings does this Vegan Carrot Potato Soup recipe make?

This recipe yields approximately 4-6 servings, depending on portion size. A standard serving is about 1.5 cups, making it perfect for a family dinner with potential leftovers. For accurate meal planning, note that the total volume is roughly 6-7 cups of finished soup.

What can I use if I don’t have a high-speed blender for this soup?

An immersion blender is an excellent alternative and allows you to blend the soup directly in the pot. If you only have a standard blender, blend in small, cool batches and vent the lid to prevent steam pressure. For the cashew cream, a standard blender may require a longer 1-2 minute blend time and a fine-mesh strain to achieve perfect smoothness.

Why is my carrot and potato soup too thin or watery?

This usually happens if the vegetables aren’t cooked until completely fork-tender before blending, or if the broth-to-vegetable ratio is off. The solution is to simmer the soup uncovered for an extra 5-10 minutes to reduce and concentrate the liquid. For future batches, you can slightly increase the amount of potatoes, as their starch is a natural thickener.