Vegetable Noodle Soup Recipe

This vegetable noodle soup is as simple, direct, and delicious as it gets. Served extra hot and plump with pasta noodles, it’s the kind of soup that comforts minds and bolsters spirits. If you’re vegetarian or vegan looking for an alternative to chicken noodle soup, this should be in your wheelhouse.

I mention it in the recipe, but any short pasta will work here.  If there is a short shape that is easy for you to find. Or a shape you love, swap it in!

Noodle Soup Variations

There are a host of things you can use in place of the pasta noodles here. For example, you can serve the broth over leftover rice, cooked farro, or pearl barley. Or make a ravioli version! You can also stir any of the following into individual bowls of soup to take things in slightly different directions - toasted sesame oil, lemon olive oil, sriracha sauce, miso, or curry paste. Noodle soup is super adaptable, use this as a jumping off point!

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat the oven to 375F, toss the tofu with 1/2 tablespoon of the olive oil, place on a parchment lined baking sheet, and bake 15 minutes, or until slightly golden in color. Transfer the tofu to a bowl, and set aside.
2. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium high heat. Add the garlic, onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 10 minutes or so, just until the onions start to take on a bit of color. Add the turmeric, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, 1 teaspoon of salt, nutritional yeast, and some freshly ground pepper. Add the water and bring to a simmer. Taste the broth and add more salt and pepper, don’t under salt or the soup will taste sad and flat.
3. I like to cook the pasta separately (it just keeps the broth cleaner and brighter), but you can certainly cook it in the broth*. Either way, add the pasta at this point. If you haven’t pre-cooked the noodles, simmer until cooked through. Stir in the tofu, and serve the noodle soup extra hot, in individual bowls, topped with lots of fresh cilantro or chives, or chopped kale for added greens.

INGREDIENTS

• 12 ounces extra-firm tofu, pat dry with paper towels, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
• 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup carrots, finely chopped
• 2 cups celery, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon dried turmeric
• 1 tablespoon thyme leaves (fresh or dried)
• 1 teaspoon oregano (fresh or dried)
• 1 bay leaf
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (or see headnotes)
• 8 cups water
• 12 ounces dried pasta, cooked per package instructions
• To serve: fresh cilantro, chopped kale, chopped chives