Vegan Creamy Red Pepper Soup with Coconut Milk

Prep: 15 minCook: 25 min8 servingsmediumAmerican
Creamy Red Pepper Soup with Coconut Milk

Smooth, vibrant red pepper soup enriched with coconut milk and warm spices. Yellow onions and garlic build the base, while coriander and cumin add depth. Sun-dried tomatoes contribute tangy sweetness. Zucchini adds body. Blended until velvety, this plant-based soup is naturally dairy-free and adaptable to broth or oil sautéing.

Ingredients

8 servings
  • 1 tablespoon oil(optional)
    ghee or butter1:1dairyfatadds dairy

    adds richness

    Full guide →
  • vegetable broth(optional)
    chicken broth1:1proteinnon-vegan

    adds savory depth

    Full guide →
  • 2 yellow onions, chopped
  • 2 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 cup vegetable broth, divided
    chicken broth1:1proteinnon-vegan

    adds savory depth

    Full guide →
  • 1 ½ zucchini, chopped, medium or small
    celery1:1

    lighter base vegetable

    Full guide →
  • 3 red peppers, chopped
  • ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, from jar
    fresh tomatoes2:1 by volume

    more delicate flavor

  • 1 teaspoon coriander
    fennel seed1:1

    similar warmth

    Full guide →
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
    caraway0.75:1

    earthier note

    Full guide →
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 15-ounce can coconut milk
    heavy cream1:1dairyadds dairy

    creamier mouthfeel

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Add oil or broth to a large soup pot and heat to medium-high.

  2. 2

    Sauté onions and garlic until translucent, about 5 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add vegetable broth, zucchini, red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, coriander, cumin, salt, and smoked paprika.

  4. 4

    Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for 20 minutes.

  5. 5

    Blend soup with an immersion blender until very smooth, or transfer carefully in batches to an upright blender.

  6. 6

    Return soup to pot and stir in coconut milk until well mixed.

  7. 7

    Top with parsley and red pepper flakes if desired, and serve.

Tips

Tip 1

Sauté with broth instead of oil for a lower-fat version.

Tip 2

Leave soup slightly chunky if you prefer texture over smoothness.

Tip 3

Fresh parsley and red pepper flakes add brightness at the table.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate in airtight container up to 4 days. Freeze up to 3 months.

Make Ahead

Prepare through blending step, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat gently and stir in coconut milk before serving.

Serve With

Ladle into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes. Pair with crusty bread or a green salad.

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Blend hot soup in small batches to avoid pressure buildup or splashing.

Watch

Do not over-blend if you prefer some texture; pulse instead of continuous blending.

Watch

Stir coconut milk gently after reheating to prevent separation.

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

oil
ghee or butter1:1dairyfatadds dairy

adds richness

Full guide →
coconut milk
heavy cream1:1dairyadds dairy

creamier mouthfeel

Full guide →

Vegan Options

vegetable broth
chicken broth1:1proteinnon-vegan

adds savory depth

Full guide →

General Alternatives

zucchini
celery1:1

lighter base vegetable

Full guide →
sun-dried tomatoes
fresh tomatoes2:1 by volume

more delicate flavor

coriander
fennel seed1:1

similar warmth

Full guide →
cumin
caraway0.75:1

earthier note

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →