Vegan lasagna soup is a delightful dish that encapsulates the flavors of traditional lasagna while being entirely plant-based. This nutritious soup is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep. With the convenience of an Instant Pot, you can whip up this comforting soup effortlessly, ensuring that everyone at the table enjoys a hearty, healthy meal.
Ingredients for Vegan Lasagna Soup
To prepare vegan lasagna soup, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 onion – diced
- 3 cloves of garlic – minced
- 2 carrots – diced
- 2 celery stalks – diced
- 1 bell pepper – diced (any color)
- 1 can (400 g) of diced tomatoes – with juice
- 1 can (400 g) of tomato sauce
- 4 cups (about 1 liter) of vegetable broth
- 1 can (400 g) of cannellini or white beans – drained and rinsed
- 8-10 lasagna noodles – broken into pieces
- 2 cups of fresh spinach – chopped
- 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning – a blend of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of nutritional yeast – for a cheesy flavor
- Fresh basil leaves – for garnish
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- Turn on the Instant Pot and set it to „Sauté” mode. Once hot, add the olive oil.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Tomatoes and Broth
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and add the tomato sauce.
- Add the vegetable broth and stir well to combine. Scrape the bottom of the pot to ensure there are no stuck bits of vegetables.
Step 3: Incorporate the Beans and Seasoning
- Add the drained cannellini beans and broken lasagna noodles to the pot.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to ensure the noodles are submerged in the liquid.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Soup
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Select „Manual” or „Pressure Cook” and set the timer for 5 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.
Step 5: Add the Spinach and Nutritional Yeast
- Open the lid and stir the soup. If the noodles have absorbed too much liquid, you can add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Stir in the chopped spinach and nutritional yeast, mixing well until the spinach is wilted and everything is well combined.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of flavor. You can also sprinkle additional nutritional yeast on top if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Vegan Lasagna Soup
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or kale for added nutrition and flavor.
- Make It Creamy: For a creamier version, you can add a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of vegan cream cheese when serving.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary. A splash of balsamic vinegar can enhance the flavors.
Conclusion
Vegan lasagna soup is a comforting, flavorful meal that brings the classic tastes of lasagna into a warm, hearty soup. This recipe is not only easy to make but also versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking. Enjoy the deliciousness of this vegan dish with family and friends!