Vitamix Soup Recipes – Make your own tasty and flavorful vegetable soup at home
Who doesn’t love soup? Very few meals give you that warm and cozy feel on a chilly day, make you feel better when you are sick or can evoke memories of being a child. I love soup (of all kinds) and would love to eat a steaming bowl of soup at every meal if I could but I also don’t love most soups that come from a can. What I enjoyed as a child, like Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup, no longer hits the spot. I may have enjoyed that chicken noodle soup or tomato soup from a can when I was a kid piled high with soda crackers but I like to think my palate is just a bit more sophisticated these days.
When my husband gifted me a Vitamix Blender for my birthday many years back, I quickly started to reimagine some of my favourite soups. Now, spending over $5oo on a blender is a definite investment and certainly isn’t required to make delicious soup at home. However, one of the main reasons many people ultimately take the plunge is the versatility that you can get with a high-powered blender, like a Vitamix blender. Vitamix blenders are not just for making smoothies. If you are only making smoothies, save yourself some money and get a personal-sized blender like a Magic Bullet or Ninja. On the other hand, if you enjoy soup and making soup that meets your own specific dietary needs or flavour preferences, then a Vitamix may a great option for you.
I know a few people who bought their Vitamix after seeing a demo of Tortilla Soup being made at their local Costco. It is easy to combine vegetable broth, tomato, red bell pepper, corn, black beans and other ingredients to make a steamy, hearty soup. Top it off with sour cream and cheese and you are ready for lunch in under 10 minutes of minimal effort including prep and cooking time. During those work-from-home days, it is such a blessing to have a healthy meal option for your lunch break.
Soup Options are Endless
Whether you like creamy soup, hearty soups, vegetable soup, vegan soup or any other type, you can create your own tasty recipes at home or make it even easier by trying some of the best Vitamix soup recipes that are tried and tested.
Some of my favorite Vitamix soup recipes include my very own take on Tortilla Blender Soup which can be easily adjusted to meet your taste preferences and can be made with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a vegan option. You can keep it fully vegan or vegetarian, or add some pulled chicken or pork after blending to up the protein profile.
I also love to use leftovers to make a quick blender soup the next day. This Roasted Butternut Squash and Carrot soup was first made after a Thanksgiving Feast. I have never been a huge lover of leftovers but this warm soup made me reconsider.
Getting Started with Vitamix Soup Recipes
When I first started experimenting with Vitamix soup recipes, I was almost overwhelmed with possibilities. The idea that I could toss in a few fresh vegetables, hit a button, and in minutes have a piping hot, healthy soup was a game-changer. Here’s how you can start making your very own Vitamix vegetable soups.
Step 1: Select Your Ingredients:
First, decide on your vegetables. I love the classic combo of carrots, celery, and onions. But don’t hesitate to get creative with spinach, zucchini, or even roasted root vegetables. If you’re going for that extra health kick, toss in greens like spinach for a nutrient-rich meal.
Step 2: Prep Your Vitamix:
Before blending, make sure your Vitamix container is clean and the base is on a level surface. This blender is going to be blending fast! Its strong blades and powerful speed settings will do most of the heavy lifting, so you don’t need to chop everything perfectly. Just rough cuts will do.
Step 3: Blending to Perfection:
Layer the vegetables in the Vitamix, with the softer items on the bottom to help the blades gain traction. The Vitamix uses the speed of its blades to create friction heat that’ll cook your soup as it blends, which means a steaming hot soup directly out of the pitcher—no stove necessary.
Step 4: Adjust Texture and Taste:
I use the Soup setting on my Vitamix Pro 750; if you don’t have this setting, then start blending at a low speed and ramp up to the highest setting. Within about 5 to 6 minutes, not only will the vegetables be fully blended, but the texture will be silky smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, just reduce the blending time or add additional ingredients later in the process and use the Pulse function like I do in my Tortilla Soup. Season your soup to taste, add some fresh cilantro or other herbs, and voila, you’ve got an easy, delicious meal made with many whole food ingredients.
Remember, the best part of using your Vitamix for soup recipes is how it simplifies the cooking process without sacrificing any of the flavor or health benefits. So give it a try—your taste buds and schedule will thank you!
Ingredients for Vegetable Soups
When I’m whipping up a Vitamix vegetable soup, I focus on two things: a solid base and just the right flavor profile. I like to think of the base as the foundation and the flavors and textures as the personal touches that make each soup shine.
Essential Base Ingredients
To get things started, I always have these base veggies on deck:
- Onion: the backbone of flavor for any good soup; unless of course, I’m sharing with my husband.
- Garlic: adds that essential aromatic kick.
- Carrots and Celery: these classics bring sweetness and depth.
- Tomato: whole tomatoes can easily be blended. You can use fresh, canned or oven-roasted depending on whether tomato is meant to be the star.
- Vegetable broth or stock: a liquid gold that ties everything together. You can also swap for chicken broth or homemade chicken stock. Recipe Tin Eats has a great chicken stock recipe.
Enhancing Flavors and Textures
Now for the fun part: jazzing things up. If I want a creamier soup without dairy, coconut milk is a great option. It’s rich, it’s dairy-free, and it complements everything from tomato to cauliflower soups.
And about those herbs and spices, I’m all about:
- Fresh basil or cilantro for a pop of greenery. i love cilantro especially on Tortilla Soup.
- A pinch of ground ginger for warmth and spice. This is delicious when combined with carrots.
- For tomato-based soups, some basil tossed in really ties the flavors together. Rosemary & Thyme are also good options.
- Chipotle for a soup that calls for a little heat.
- Salt & Pepper to taste.
Step-by-Step Blending Techniques
Mastering the Vitamix Settings
I’ve learned that getting to know your Vitamix’s settings is crucial for that perfect soup texture. I start with a lower speed to mix the ingredients and then gradually increase it. This method allows the Vitamix to create a vortex which pulls the ingredients down towards the blades for a more even blend. But here’s the interesting part — if my soup’s ingredients are all raw, I’ll let it run on high for 5 to 6 minutes. The friction from the blades actually heats up the soup, and steam starts to escape from the vented lid. This is how I know my soup is not only blended but also heated all without a stove!
- Start Speed: Low (to mix)
- Increase Speed Gradually: To prevent splashing
- High-Speed Duration: 5-6 minutes (to heat)
Combining Ingredients for Optimal Taste
For a mouth-watering vegetable soup, I’ve found that roasting veggies first with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper enhances the flavor significantly. Once they’re nicely browned and aromatic, I transfer them to the Vitamix, adding any broth or other liquids. I’m careful to never fill it more than halfway when blending hot ingredients, or I crack the lid open a bit to let steam escape and avoid pressure buildup. As for garlic and other seasonings, I add them during blending so they integrate smoothly into the mix.
- Roast Veggies: Olive oil, salt, pepper (for flavor)
- Transfer to Vitamix: Add broth (mind the fill level)
- Season as You Blend: Garlic, additional salt, or spices for an even distribution
Remember, with these techniques, the result is a soup with nuanced flavors and a velvety texture that brings comfort with every spoonful.
Specialty Soup Variations
When I get out my Vitamix, it’s all about crafting soups that pack a punch in flavor and comfort, whatever the season. Here’s how I shake things up in my kitchen with some specialty blends, focusing on fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Hearty Winter Blends
During those cold months, my Vitamix is my best friend for whipping up hearty winter soups. I love making a creamy butternut squash soup; its rich, velvety texture is like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Another favorite is carrot and ginger soup, where the zesty ginger gives it a warming kick. Broccoli cheddar soup is an absolute must for those days when only the most comforting meal will do.
- Sweet Potato Soup: Sweet potato, carrots and a secret ingredient – apple or Spicy Sweet Potato Soup that is also Whole30 compliant.
- Butternut Squash Soup: roasted squash, a dash of nutmeg, vegetable stock.
- Roasted Tomato Soup: served with grilled cheese for an upscale variation on a childhood favorite.
- Carrot & Ginger Soup: fresh carrots, ginger root, a touch of cream (or coconut milk for a vegan twist).
- Roasted Cauliflower Soup: delicious and you can top with cheese for extra yumminess.
Cool Soups for Summer Heat
While I prefer my soup hot, you can also make refreshing summer soups like a chilled cucumber or zucchini gazpacho, which are good options for when temperatures increase. They’re light, cool, and incredibly refreshing, plus they’re a great way to use up summer’s abundant produce. Vitamix provides tips for making cool, summer soups.
- Chilled Zucchini Soup: zucchini, dill, chicken or vegetable broth, yogurt or sour cream.
- Gazpacho: tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, red onion, a splash of red wine vinegar.
Year Round Favourites
My favourite year-round tortilla soup lets me layer flavors like avocado, jalapeno, and black beans for a hearty and satisfying bowl. I can mix it up each time I make it to get a slightly different experience and keep it interesting. Its tomato base, coupled with veggies and beans and garnished with lime and cilantro is perfection. Add some tortilla chips and you’ll be dipping in heaven.
.Vitamix Pizza Soup is a family favorite. It is a tomato-based soup with lots of your favorite pizza flavors.
Finishing Touches and Serving Suggestions
When I serve up a bowl of homemade soup, the final garnishes are the magic that turns a simple dish into something restaurant-worthy. It’s all about contrasting textures and flavors that complement the soup.
Garnishes and Add-Ons
I find that texture plays a huge role in elevating the soup experience. For a creamy soup, I like a sprinkle of something with a little crunch. Croutons or a handful of crushed tortilla chips on top of a smooth vegetable soup adds a delightful contrast. Another alternative is to make grilled cheese croutons which are perfect for a roasted tomato soup.
Flavor is equally important. A dollop of yogurt can introduce a hint of tang and a smoother texture, working well with spicy soups like those with jalapeño or chipotle. To enhance the freshness, a squeeze of lemon or lime just before serving makes the flavors pop.
Regarding herbs, nothing beats the color and taste of fresh parsley, chives or cilantro. They bring a herbaceous note that complements almost any soup, especially if it’s vegetable-based. I also love rosemary and thyme.
For soups that lean on the rich or sweet side, like those made with avocado, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar can provide a welcome zing, cutting through the richness beautifully.
In terms of heat, a dash of red pepper flakes or freshly cracked black pepper can introduce just the right amount of spice.
And when I want a nuttier aroma and a bit of a bite, I toss on some toasted nuts – they’re particularly good with butternut squash or carrot soups.
To sum up, don’t hesitate to play around with these finishing touches. Trust me, it’s these little things that make a big difference in your Vitamix vegetable soups.
Frequently Asked Questions
For those just starting, I recommend simple recipes like a classic Roasted Tomato Soup or a zucchini and spinach blend. These require minimal ingredients and steps, perfect for getting your feet wet. The Tortilla Blender Soup is also easy to make even for a beginner.
Absolutely! Add legumes like lentils or beans to your vegetable soups for a high-protein punch. A hearty spinach and vegetable soup can be both filling and nutritious.
To infuse more depth into your soup, try roasting your vegetables first—like in a roasted cauliflower soup or a roasted tomato soup. This brings out a caramelized, complex flavor that really enhances the profile of your soup.
When blending hot ingredients, always start on the lowest setting and gradually increase to higher speeds if you don’t have the soup setting. Keep the lid’s vent open to let steam escape and never fill your Vitamix container more than halfway when working with hot liquids. As always, it is important to ensure your blender is sitting level on a hard surface before blending.
Broth-based vegetable soups, particularly those packed with fibrous veggies like broccoli or cabbage, can be great for weight loss. These soups are low in calories but high in nutrients and can help you feel full longer. Adding some healthier fats, like avocado, can also help increase satiation.