As the first chill of autumn wafts through my kitchen, the comforting scent of simmering vegetables fills the air, transporting me to cozy evenings of home-cooked warmth. My Creamy Vegan Gnocchi Soup with Fire-Roasted Tomatoes has become a delightful staple in our household, perfectly marrying the sweetness of roasted tomatoes with the tender, pillowy gnocchi we all love. The best part? This soul-soothing dish comes together in under 30 minutes and requires minimal cleanup, making it ideal for weeknight dinners when you’re craving comfort without the fuss. It’s not just about warming your belly; this soup also effortlessly caters to various dietary needs, being both gluten-free and dairy-free. Are you ready to dive into a bowl of velvety goodness that will have you smiling with every spoonful? Let’s get cooking!
Why Is This Gnocchi Soup Irresistible?
Comforting and satisfying, this creamy soup wraps you in warmth with every spoonful. Quick to make, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, so you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Flavor-packed, the blend of fire-roasted tomatoes and fresh basil elevates the taste, while the gnocchi adds a delightful, soft texture. Versatile enough to accommodate various dietary needs, it’s entirely vegan and gluten-free, making it perfect for everyone at your table. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, ensuring that cleanup is a breeze—just like our French Onion Chicken recipe! Get ready to savor a dish that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
Creamy Gnocchi Soup Ingredients
• Unleash your culinary creativity!
For the Soup
- Gnocchi – Provides a soft texture and serves as the main carb; feel free to use fresh or frozen varieties.
- Fire Roasted Tomatoes – Adds depth and sweetness to the soup; canned is ideal for convenience.
- Olive Oil – Perfect for sautéing aromatics; opt for extra virgin for enhanced flavor.
- Yellow Onion – Offers a sweet and aromatic base; can be substituted with white onion if necessary.
- Garlic – Elevates the overall flavor profile; fresh minced garlic is best for depth.
- Lite Coconut Milk – Creates creamy richness without dairy; full-fat works for a richer taste.
- Vegetable Broth – Acts as the flavorful base of the soup; low-sodium can help control the saltiness.
- Brown Sugar – Balances the acidity of the tomatoes; can be swapped with maple syrup if desired.
- Red Pepper Flakes – Introduces a gentle warmth without overwhelming spice; adjust to your taste.
- Fresh Basil – Infuses aromatic freshness and enhances the flavors of the tomatoes; avoid dried basil for optimal flavor.
Remember, this Creamy Gnocchi Soup is more than just a meal—it’s a warm embrace on a chilly day!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creamy Gnocchi Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. This aromatic base is essential for creating the flavorful depth of your creamy gnocchi soup.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Next, stir in 3-4 cloves of minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional 2 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden, enhancing the flavor profile of the soup. Be careful not to let it burn, as this can result in a bitter taste.
Step 3: Combine the Main Ingredients
Now, add a 28-ounce can of fire-roasted tomatoes, 4 cups of vegetable broth, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pot. Stir everything together, then bring the mixture to a rapid boil over high heat. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes—this helps meld all the flavors together.
Step 4: Blend the Soup
After simmering, carefully use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency. You can leave some chunks for texture if you prefer a heartier creamy gnocchi soup. If you don’t have an immersion blender, let the soup cool briefly before transferring it to a regular blender, but be cautious of splattering hot liquid.
Step 5: Add Coconut Milk and Gnocchi
Bring the blended soup back to a boil, then lower the heat. Pour in a can of lite coconut milk along with 16 ounces of gnocchi and a handful of chopped fresh basil. Stir well and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, watching for the gnocchi to float to the top, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once the gnocchi are floating, the soup is ready to be served. Ladle the creamy gnocchi soup into bowls, then garnish with additional fresh basil, a drizzle of coconut milk, and a sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper. Each bowl is a comforting embrace of warmth waiting to delight your taste buds.
What to Serve with Creamy Gnocchi Soup
Elevate your meal with delightful pairings that create a harmonious dining experience for your senses.
-
Crusty Bread: Ideal for dipping, its crunchy texture complements the creamy gnocchi soup, soaking up every flavorful drop.
-
Side Salad: A crisp mixed greens salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette adds a fresh contrast to the rich, velvety soup.
-
Garlic Breadsticks: Warm and buttery, these breadsticks provide a satisfying crunch and aromatic garlicky goodness alongside your comforting soup.
-
Roasted Veggies: Roasted seasonal vegetables enhance the meal’s heartiness and showcase vibrant flavors that dance wonderfully with the creaminess of the soup.
-
Toasted Sourdough: The slight tang from sourdough enriches each bite, making it the perfect vessel to savor the rich broth as well.
-
Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, works beautifully with the acidity of the tomatoes, balancing the dish perfectly.
-
Dessert Option: Serve with a light, fruity sorbet to cleanse the palate after indulging in the creamy richness of the gnocchi soup.
Creamy Gnocchi Soup Variations
Feel free to personalize this soup to suit your taste buds and dietary preferences!
-
Greens Galore: Add a handful of spinach or kale for a nutrient boost; they wilt beautifully and contribute vibrant color.
-
Creamy Alternatives: Swap lite coconut milk for heavy cream or any plant-based cream for a richer texture; adjust to your liking.
-
Gnocchi Variety: Experiment with different gnocchi types, like sweet potato or spinach gnocchi, for a fun twist in flavor and nutrition.
-
Roasted Vegetables: Toss in roasted zucchini or bell peppers for extra sweetness and a touch of smokiness; they beautifully enhance the soup’s character.
-
Herb Infusion: Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley alongside basil to elevate the aromatic profile; this twist adds layers of freshness.
-
Chili Heat: Craving some spice? Increase the red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño for an exciting kick; just be careful with the heat!
-
Cashew Cream: Blend soaked cashews with water to create a homemade dairy-free cream to stir in for extra richness and nutty flavor.
-
Tomato Swap: If you’re out of fire-roasted tomatoes, use regular diced tomatoes mixed with maple syrup and a pinch of liquid smoke for that sweet smokiness—perfect for maintaining flavor!
Don’t forget to pair your soup with crusty bread or a side salad, perhaps inspired by our Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi, for a delightful meal that satisfies every craving!
Make Ahead Options
These Creamy Gnocchi Soup preparations are a fantastic way to save time and simplify your meal planning! You can prep all the soup ingredients—like dicing the onion, mincing garlic, and measuring out the fire-roasted tomatoes and vegetable broth—up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator to keep everything fresh. The soup can be cooked and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days before serving. Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much. Simply stir in the coconut milk and cook the gnocchi for a quick finish, ensuring a comforting, delicious experience that’s just as good as when you first made it!
How to Store and Freeze Creamy Gnocchi Soup
Refrigeration: Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of vegetable broth if the soup thickens.
Freezing: Avoid freezing this creamy gnocchi soup, as the gnocchi may become soggy upon thawing, negatively affecting the texture.
Reheating: When reheating leftovers, do so slowly to maintain creaminess, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Storage Tip: It’s best to enjoy the soup fresh for optimal flavor and texture, but if you have leftovers, remember to store them properly in the fridge!
Expert Tips for Creamy Gnocchi Soup
-
Texture Matters: Ensure your gnocchi aren’t overcooked; they should float when done. Overcooking leads to a mushy texture in this creamy gnocchi soup.
-
Aromatics Alert: Sautéing your onions and garlic until fragrant builds a flavor base. Burning them, however, can lead to bitterness, so keep a watchful eye.
-
Best Tomatoes: Opt for canned fire-roasted tomatoes for depth of flavor; if unavailable, use regular diced tomatoes mixed with a hint of maple syrup and smoked paprika.
-
Blending Safely: For a smooth soup, use an immersion blender. If using a regular blender, allow the soup to cool slightly to prevent dangerous splattering.
-
Storage Wisdom: Enjoy your creamy gnocchi soup fresh for the best taste! Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, but avoid freezing to prevent gnocchi from becoming soggy.
-
Personal Touch: Don’t hesitate to add leafy greens like spinach or kale to enhance nutrition. Adjust the spice with red pepper flakes to suit your heat tolerance!
Creamy Vegan Gnocchi Soup Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe ingredients for my Creamy Gnocchi Soup?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, choose ripe fire-roasted tomatoes; look for plump, bright tomatoes with no dark spots. For onions, select those that feel firm and heavy. Fresh garlic should be firm without any soft spots. If using fresh gnocchi, check the sell-by date, and for frozen, ensure there are no ice crystals on the packaging, which could indicate freezer burn.
What’s the best way to store leftovers of my Creamy Gnocchi Soup?
You can store cooled soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It’s a good idea to label the container with the date it was made! When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop. If it thickens, add a splash of vegetable broth to get that creamy consistency back.
Can I freeze my Creamy Gnocchi Soup?
I recommend against freezing this soup, as gnocchi can become soggy upon thawing, which will alter the delightful texture. If you plan to make a large batch, consider freezing the soup base without the gnocchi. To do this, cook through Step 5, then cool the soup before pouring it into a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months. Just add cooked gnocchi when you reheat!
What can I do if the soup turns out too thick?
Not to worry! If your Creamy Gnocchi Soup ends up thick, simply add a bit of vegetable broth or water gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well while reheating to blend the flavors together. Remember, you can always add more, but it’s harder to take it out, so start with small amounts!
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
This soup is indeed vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free (if using gluten-free gnocchi), making it suitable for many dietary needs. Always check labels on your vegetable broth and gnocchi to ensure they meet your dietary considerations. If sharing with pets, avoid giving them any soup that contains onion or garlic, as these ingredients can be harmful to them.
How can I enhance nutritional value in my Creamy Gnocchi Soup?
Very! You can elevate the nutrition of your soup by stirring in fresh greens such as spinach or kale during the last couple of minutes of cooking. This will add a nice pop of color and a healthy boost. If you want even more fiber, consider adding a can of drained and rinsed beans that can complement the dish seamlessly!
Creamy Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté diced onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in fire-roasted tomatoes, vegetable broth, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
- Blend the soup to desired consistency using an immersion blender.
- Bring the soup back to a boil, then stir in coconut milk, gnocchi, and fresh basil. Cook for 3-4 minutes until gnocchi float.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional basil, a drizzle of coconut milk, and fresh pepper.
Leave a Reply