Low-Profile Vegetable Soup

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, low-effort vegetable soup with a creamy coconut base and warming spices for a comforting bowl. This Indian-inspired quick recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs coconut milk, carrots, celery for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp coconut oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 stalks diced celery and 3 medium diced carrots. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp grated ginger, 1 cup tomato puree, and 1 tbsp tomato paste. Cook for 3 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 can full-fat coconut milk, 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
  5. Step 5: Simmer for 20-25 minutes until vegetables are tender and the soup is thick and creamy. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Low-Profile Vegetable Soup take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Low-Profile Vegetable Soup?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep coconut milk from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Low-Profile Vegetable Soup?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Low-Profile Vegetable Soup for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Low-Profile Vegetable Soup?

Indian quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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