Vegetable and Tofu Soup by Jul

This comforting soup is packed with fresh vegetables and protein-rich tofu, making it both hearty and healthy. Perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week, it’s easy to make and full of flavor.

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TIME1 hr 55 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil 3 carrots, sliced 3 stalks celery, sliced ½ large onion, diced 1 tablespoon dried basil 3 dashes red pepper flakes sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste 3 cloves garlic, chopped 3 quarts chicken broth 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes 1 bay leaf 2 cups frozen corn 2 zucchini, sliced 1 (12 ounce) package firm tofu, crumbled ½ cup sliced fresh mushrooms, or to taste ¼ cup chopped kale, or to taste

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by heating some olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the carrots and cook them for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so they get nicely coated with the oil. Next, add the celery, onion, half of the basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook everything together until the veggies are just starting to soften, around 5 minutes. Then stir in the garlic and let it cook until you can really smell its aroma, about 2 minutes.

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Step 2

Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and add the bay leaf along with the rest of the basil. Bring everything up to a boil. Once boiling, add the corn, zucchini, tofu, and mushrooms. Give it a good stir, season with a bit more salt and pepper, then bring it back to a boil before turning the heat down to low.

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Step 3

Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about an hour, until all the flavors come together and the vegetables are tender when poked with a fork. Finally, stir in the kale, cover again, and cook just until the kale wilts, which should take about 15 minutes. Then it’s ready to enjoy!

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Use firm tofu to keep it from breaking apart during cooking.
- Add vegetables in stages based on how long they take to cook, so nothing becomes mushy.
- Season gradually and adjust salt and spices at the end for the best flavor balance.

Why you’ll love it

This soup is a comforting and nutritious meal that combines fresh vegetables with protein-rich tofu. It’s light yet filling, making it perfect for any season. The flavors blend beautifully, offering a wholesome taste that feels both satisfying and healthy.

Serving ideas

Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or steamed rice to make it more filling. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro on top adds a nice touch. Pair with a light green salad for a complete meal.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to preserve the texture of the tofu and vegetables. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2 months, but note that the texture of some vegetables may change slightly upon thawing.