Carrot Potato Soup Recipe – Vegan and Creamy

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Learn to make delicious vegan carrot potato soup with cashew cream. Healthy comfort food recipe with simple ingredients and amazing results!

sarah mae carter for recipes by clare
By Sarah Mae Carter
Updated on Thu, 18 Sep 2025 22:08:43 GMT

I absolutely love making this carrot potato soup when I need something warm, nourishing, and completely satisfying. This vegan recipe transforms simple vegetables into the most incredible creamy soup without a drop of dairy.

There’s something magical about the way carrots and potatoes come together in this soup. I discovered this combination during a particularly cold winter when I was craving comfort food but wanted to keep things healthy. The natural sweetness of the carrots balances perfectly with the starchy richness of the potatoes, while cashews create that dreamy, creamy texture we all crave. This wholesome carrot potato soup has become my go-to recipe when I want to fill my kitchen with amazing aromas and my family with pure comfort food goodness.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Carrot Potato Soup

I always recommend using russet potatoes for this recipe since they break down beautifully and create the ideal creamy base. Important note: Soak your cashews for 4 hours before starting (or use the quick-soak method below). Here’s what you’ll need for this nourishing bowl of comfort:

Equipment needed: Large Dutch oven or pot, high-powered blender, kitchen knife and cutting board

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 3 celery ribs, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 medium russet potatoes (about 12oz), peeled and cut into 1/2 inch chunks
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 cup cashews, soaked for 4 hours (see quick method below)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Pro tip: I prefer soaking my cashews overnight, but if you’re short on time, pour boiling water over them and let sit for 10 minutes. This quick-soak method works perfectly for creating that silky cashew cream.

Simple Steps to Make Creamy Carrot Potato Soup

I recommend having all your vegetables prepped and cashews soaked before you start cooking. This makes the process so much smoother and more enjoyable.

Step 1: In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know they’re ready when the onions become translucent and everything starts smelling fragrant.

Step 2: Add garlic, thyme, and potatoes and continue to cook for 2 minutes. The garlic should be fragrant but not browned – watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 3: Add vegetable broth and bay leaf and bring to a boil. The liquid should fully cover the vegetables by about 1 inch.

Step 4: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until vegetables are fork-tender. Remove bay leaf. Test the potatoes with a fork – they should break apart easily when pressed.

Step 5: While soup is simmering, prepare cashew cream by blending 1/2 cup soaked and drained cashews with 1/2 cup fresh water until completely smooth. This should take 2-3 minutes in a high-powered blender.

Step 6: Once vegetables are softened, carefully ladle 1 cup of hot soup into the blender with the cashew cream and lemon juice. Safety tip: Let soup cool for 2-3 minutes before blending, and remove blender lid center cap to allow steam to escape. Blend until completely smooth.

Step 7: Stir the cashew and soup mixture back into the pot. This creates that beautiful creamy texture throughout without dairy.

Step 8: Season with salt and pepper to taste. I usually start with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, then adjust from there.

Perfect Pairings for Your Carrot Potato Soup

This comforting soup pairs beautifully with foods that complement its creamy, earthy flavors and provide textural contrast.

Crusty sourdough bread: The tangy flavor and chewy texture make it perfect for dipping into this smooth carrot potato soup.

Fresh green salad: A crisp salad with lemon vinaigrette adds brightness and balances the richness of the soup perfectly.

Roasted vegetables: Caramelized Brussels sprouts or roasted broccoli add wonderful texture contrast and extra nutrition to your meal.

Herb focaccia: The herby, olive oil-rich bread is an excellent companion for soaking up every last drop of this delicious soup.

More Hearty Potato Soups to Warm Your Soul

This vibrant carrot potato soup pairs wonderfully with other comforting potato-based soups for ultimate cold-weather satisfaction. For a richer, more indulgent option, try our Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup – the creamy base and bacon toppings create a perfect contrast to this lighter, vegetable-forward recipe.

When planning weekly meal prep or hosting soup night, consider serving this alongside our protein-packed Italian Sausage and Potato Soup, warming Comforting Chicken Soup with Potatoes, and unique Russian Potato and Mushroom Soup. These four soups offer different flavor profiles while maintaining that same cozy, stick-to-your-ribs comfort that makes potato soups so beloved during cooler months.

Smart Storage and Reheating Tips

This carrot potato soup stores wonderfully and actually tastes even better the next day as all the flavors meld together. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

When reheating, I recommend using the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of vegetable broth if the soup has thickened too much. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each heating.

Pro tip: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. I like to freeze it in individual portions for easy weeknight dinners. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The texture may separate slightly after freezing, but a quick stir brings it back together.

More Hearty Potato Soups to Warm Your Soul

This vibrant carrot potato soup pairs wonderfully with other comforting potato-based soups for ultimate cold-weather satisfaction. For a richer, more indulgent option, try our Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup – the creamy base and bacon toppings create a perfect contrast to this lighter, vegetable-forward recipe.

When planning weekly meal prep or hosting soup night, consider serving this alongside our protein-packed Italian Sausage and Potato Soup and warming Comforting Chicken Soup with Potatoes. These three soups offer different flavor profiles while maintaining that same cozy, stick-to-your-ribs comfort that makes potato soups so beloved during cooler months.

Common Questions About Making Carrot Potato Soup

Can I substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes?

I don’t recommend this substitution because sweet potatoes lack the starchy quality that makes this carrot potato soup so perfectly creamy and thick. Russet potatoes are essential for the proper texture.

What if I don’t have cashews?

You can substitute with 1/2 cup heavy cream for a non-vegan version, or try soaked sunflower seeds blended until smooth, though the flavor will be slightly different and may require additional seasoning.

Why is my soup too thin?

Make sure you’re using russet potatoes and simmering long enough for them to break down completely. You can also blend an additional cup of the soup and stir it back in for extra thickness.

Your New Favorite Comfort Food Recipe

This carrot potato soup proves that healthy comfort food can be absolutely delicious and surprisingly simple to make. The combination of wholesome vegetables, creamy cashews, and warming spices creates a bowl of pure satisfaction that’s perfect for any season. Try this recipe tonight and discover your new favorite way to enjoy vegetables in the most comforting, nourishing way possible!

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Carrot Potato Soup Recipe – Vegan and Creamy

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This creamy vegan carrot potato soup is incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to make. Enjoy this veggie packed soup for a healthy twist on classic comfort food.

  • Author: Sarah Mae Carter
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Simmer, Blend
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 3 celery ribs, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 medium russet potatoes (about 12oz), peeled and cut into 1/2 inch chunks
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 cup cashews, soaked for 4 hours
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Add garlic, thyme, and potatoes and continue to cook for 2 minutes.
  3. Add vegetable broth and bay leaf and bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until vegetables are fork-tender. Remove bay leaf.
  5. While soup is simmering, prepare cashew cream by blending 1/2 cup soaked cashews with 1/2 cup water until completely smooth.
  6. Once vegetables are softened, add 1 cup of soup to the blender with the cashew cream and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
  7. Stir the cashew and soup mixture back into the pot.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

  • Quick-soak method for cashews: Bring 1 cup water to boil, add cashews, cover and let sit for 10 minutes. Drain, then blend with 1/2 cup fresh water.
  • Use russet potatoes for best starchy texture. Don’t substitute sweet potatoes as they lack the needed starchy quality.
  • Be careful when blending hot soup – let cool slightly first and allow steam to escape.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 185 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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