In Indian cuisine, soups (broths, rasams, shorbas) often double up as comfort food, digestive aids, immunity or warming up and simply something that says “I care”. The classic Rasam is even dubbed “soup for the soul” in South India, thanks to its medicine‑in‑a‑bowl feel.
Working with easy, vegetarian, Indian‑style soups means you can use familiar spices and ingredients you already have in the pantry, make something light yet satisfying and adapt for both Indian meals (with rice, roti) or Western style (bread, salad)
1. Pepper Rasam
A tangy tamarind base, cracked black pepper, garlic, and cumin make this South Indian classic soothing and slightly spicy. Perfect with rice or just a slice of bread, it’s quick, easy, and even thought to help with digestion and immunity. Freshly cracked pepper makes all the difference.
Zahra Shaikh
2. Coconut & Vegetable Soup
Inspired by Kerala’s theeyal, roast a handful of coconut with spices or add Coconut milk, and seasonal veggies. The nutty, tangy flavour feels exotic yet familiar.
Lakshmi Sridharan Ph D
3. One-Pot Mixed Vegetable Soup
Grab whatever veggies you have, sauté with spices, simmer, and blend if you like smooth soup. Roasting harder veggies first adds depth. Serve with naan, chapati, or crusty bread.
Keshma Raichura
4. Millet Soup
Millets are small grains packed with nutrition, and they make a wonderfully hearty soup. Start by cooking your millet of choice — foxtail, little millet, or pearl millet work beautifully.
These soups are filling, nutritious, and perfect for a one-pot winter meal. It’s also very flexible — use whatever vegetables are in season, and adjust spices to your taste.
Dr. Pushpa Dixit
Bobly Rath
Deepa Rupani
5. Veggie Thukpa
Tibetan-style noodle soup gets an Indian twist with ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and seasonal vegetables. Quick, warming, and perfect for a light dinner. Don’t overcook the noodles — they’ll stay firm and tasty.
Madhu Bindra
6. Tomato Shorba (Tomato Soup)
It’s tangy, spicy, and simple. Garnish with coriander or mint for a fresh finish.
spicequeen
Vaishali Suhas
7. Sweet Corn Soup (Indian style)
Sweet corn, and a pinch of black pepper make this slightly creamy soup irresistible. Add lemon juice at the end for a fresh zing. Great for kids or anyone who likes gentle spices.
Nikita Choithani
Vaishali Suhas
Jyoti Prakash Assudani
Bina Samir Telivala
8. Spinach & Lentil Soup
Spices, cooked lentils, and chopped spinach simmer into a green & yellow, nourishing soup. A touch of ghee or olive oil at the end adds richness, and lemon lifts the flavour beautifully.
Rosidha Arshad
9. Carrot & Ginger Soup
Roast carrots and ginger, simmer in stock, blend until smooth, and season lightly with cumin. Sweet, warm, and comforting — perfect with toasted bread or a soft chapati.
Soumini Bhattacherjee
10. Drumstick Soup
Drumsticks (moringa pods) are a powerhouse of nutrients and give soups a subtle, earthy flavour. Serve warm, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of roasted seeds for a satisfying finish.
This soup is light, nourishing, and perfect as a comforting one-pot meal that’s packed with immunity-boosting benefits.
Manisha Sampat
Swati Sheth
Keshma Raichura
11. Veg Clear Soup
This is the perfect light and healthy option. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger, then simmer chopped vegetables like carrots, beans, and cabbage in water or light stock. Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of soy sauce or coriander. Clear, simple, and refreshing — a perfect start to any meal
Rumana Irfan
12. Veg Manchow Soup
A favourite from Indo-Chinese kitchens, this soup is spicy, hearty, and comforting. Sauté chopped veggies like carrots, beans, cabbage, and mushrooms with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and black pepper, then simmer with vegetable stock. Cornflour gives it a slight thickness, and a drizzle of fried garlic oil at the end lifts the flavours. Perfect with crispy fried noodles on top for texture.
Daxa Parmar
Feeling inspired? Check out more easy, healthy Indian vegetarian recipes and bring more flavour to your kitchen today! 👉 Click to try
Use seasonal vegetables, cook in one pot when you can, and decide whether you like your soup smooth or chunky. Indian spices add depth even with minimal ingredients. Pair with rice, bread, or chapati to make it more filling. Leftovers often taste even better the next day.
Soup doesn’t have to be boring or “western only”. Indian vegetarian soups bring warmth, flavour, culture and health together. Pick one, pour yourself a warm bowl, and savour the moment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What are the best Indian vegetarian soups for winter?
A: Some favourites include pepper rasam, pumpkin soup, drumstick soup, veg manchow, and lentil & millet soups. They’re warm, comforting, and perfect for cozy chilly evenings.
Q2: Can I make Indian soups without a blender?
A: Absolutely! You can mash cooked vegetables with a ladle, potato masher, or whisk to get a chunky texture. Smooth blending is optional — it depends on how you like your soup.
Q3: Which soups are good for boosting immunity?
A: Pepper rasam, drumstick soup, and lentil soups are known for their warming spices and nutrients that help support immunity, especially during colder months.
Q4: Can I use seasonal vegetables for these soups?
A: Yes! Most Indian vegetarian soups are very flexible. Use whatever vegetables are fresh and in season — carrots, beans, spinach, cabbage, or pumpkins all work wonderfully.
Q5: Are these soups suitable for kids?
A: Definitely. Soups like pumpkin, sweet corn, and mild lentil soups are kid-friendly. You can reduce the spices slightly to suit their taste.
Q6: Can these soups be made in one pot?
A: Yes! Many of these soups are perfect for one-pot cooking, making them quick and easy for busy weeknights while keeping cleanup minimal.