Delicious Daniel Fast Vegetable Soup

- Time: Active 15 minutes, Passive 30 minutes, Total 45 minutes
- Flavor/Texture Hook: Hearty, earthy, and velvety
- Perfect for: Spiritual fasting, budget-friendly meal prep, or cold weeknights
- Making a Delicious Daniel Fast Vegetable Soup
- Hearty Bowl of Wholesome and Wholesome Plant Based Goodness
- Healing Benefits of This Nourishing and Filling Garden Blend
- Essential Preparation Times and Detailed Nutrition Information
- Affordable Ingredients for a Nutritious and Filling Family Meal
- Basic Kitchen Tools Required for Making Easy Homemade Soup
- Simple Stages for Perfecting Your Flavorful One Pot Meal
- Solving Common Texture and Seasoning Issues with Ease
- Creative Ways to Customize Your Wholesome Vegetable Soup Bowl
- Smart Storage and Practical Leftover Management Tips
- Elegant Serving Ideas for Your Festive Daniel Fasting Table
- Recipe FAQs
- 📝 Recipe Card
Making a Delicious Daniel Fast Vegetable Soup
The sizzle of diced yellow onions hitting warm coconut oil is honestly one of the most comforting sounds in my kitchen. It signals the start of something wholesome, a recipe that doesn't need fancy ingredients or expensive meats to feel complete.
This article shares a quick and healthy recipe for delicious Daniel Fast vegetable soup with spinach, perfect for anyone. Whether you are following a spiritual fast or just trying to save some money at the grocery store, this pot of goodness delivers every single time.
I remember the first time I tried to make a fasting soup. I was so worried it would taste like hot water and limp carrots, but I quickly learned that the secret lies in the layering. We aren't just tossing things in a pot, we're building a foundation of flavor that sticks to your ribs.
It’s about that beautiful moment when the potatoes start to soften and the broth takes on a golden hue from the herbs.
You'll find that this dish is remarkably forgiving. If your carrots are a little old or you only have frozen green beans in the back of the freezer, it still works. The goal here is nourishment without the fuss, and I promise you’ll find yourself coming back to this long after your fast is over.
It’s timeless comfort in a bowl, and I can't wait for you to smell it simmering on your stove.
Hearty Bowl of Wholesome and Wholesome Plant Based Goodness
When we talk about this Fast Vegetable Soup, we’re talking about a dish that prioritizes substance. The combination of chickpeas and potatoes provides a double hit of satiety that many plant based soups lack. You won’t be looking for a snack thirty minutes after finishing your bowl.
The chickpeas offer a wonderful "pop" of texture against the soft, buttery Yukon Gold potatoes, making every bite interesting.
The addition of fresh baby spinach at the very end is my favorite part. It doesn't just add a vibrant green color, it brings a delicate silkiness to the finish. As the leaves wilt into the hot broth, they absorb all those dried herbs - the oregano and thyme - creating a garden fresh experience even in the middle of winter.
It’s a meal that feels intentional and kind to your body.
Healing Benefits of This Nourishing and Filling Garden Blend
The Science of Why it Works - Starch Gelatinization: As the cubed Yukon Gold potatoes simmer, their starch granules swell and burst, naturally thickening the broth into a velvety consistency without needing flour or cream.
- Lipid Aromatic Extraction: Sautéing the garlic and onions in virgin coconut oil allows the fat soluble flavor compounds in the aromatics to dissolve, ensuring the flavor is distributed evenly throughout the entire pot.
Grandma always said that the best medicine was a hot bowl of soup, and modern science actually backs her up on that. By using low sodium vegetable broth and a heap of fresh vegetables, we’re loading up on vitamins and minerals while keeping our hydration high.
The antioxidants in the spinach and the fiber in the chickpeas make this a total win for your digestive system.
Chef Tip: For a truly velvety finish, take a potato masher and give the soup 3 or 4 quick mashes directly in the pot once it's finished cooking. This releases just enough extra starch to make the broth feel rich and creamy without adding a drop of dairy.
If you find yourself craving something with a bit more of a smoky kick while staying on your budget, you might want to try the technique from my Crock Pot Hoppin recipe. While that recipe uses different legumes, the way it builds deep flavor over time is very similar to how we treat the aromatics in this Vegetable Soup.
Essential Preparation Times and Detailed Nutrition Information
Time management is the best friend of any busy home cook. We’ve designed this recipe to fit into a 45 minutes window, with only 15 minutes of that being hands on work.
Once the vegetables are in the pot, you can step away, fold some laundry, or just sit down with a glass of water while the heat does the heavy lifting.
| Feature | Requirement | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Potato Cube Size | 1/2 inch | Ensures even cooking and perfect starch release. |
| Simmer Temperature | Gentle Bubble | Prevents the vegetables from turning into mush. |
| Spinach Timing | Last 2 minutes | Preserves the bright color and delicate texture. |
It's important to keep the potatoes at that 1/2 inch size. If they are too big, they'll still be hard when the carrots are done. If they're too small, they'll dissolve before the chickpeas have a chance to heat through. Precision in your chopping leads to a much better mouthfeel in the final bowl.
Affordable Ingredients for a Nutritious and Filling Family Meal
This recipe is a champion for the budget conscious kitchen. Most of these items are likely already in your pantry or are very inexpensive at the local market. Using dried herbs instead of fresh ones helps keep the cost down while still providing that classic "Sunday dinner" aroma.
| Ingredient | Science Role | Pro Secret |
|---|---|---|
| Virgin Coconut Oil | Fat Medium | Use unrefined oil for a very subtle, sweet undertone that mimics richness. |
| Tomato Sauce | Acid/Umami | Provides the "savory" backbone that replaces meat stock. |
| Chickpeas | Protein/Structure | Rinse them thoroughly to remove excess sodium and metallic can taste. |
| Lemon Juice | Brightness | The acid "wakes up" the dull, earthy notes of the cooked root vegetables. |
I always keep a few cans of chickpeas and some boxes of vegetable broth on hand just for days when I don't feel like "real" cooking. This Delicious Daniel Fast Vegetable Soup is the ultimate fallback meal because it tastes like you spent hours on it, even when you didn't.
Basic Kitchen Tools Required for Making Easy Homemade Soup
You don't need a professional kitchen to pull this off. A simple large pot or a Dutch oven will do the trick. The most important tool you have is your knife - make sure it’s sharp so those carrots and potatoes don’t put up a fight.
- Large Dutch Oven: A heavy bottomed pot (like a Lodge) distributes heat more evenly, preventing the onions from scorching.
- Sharp Chef's Knife: Essential for getting those uniform 1/2 inch potato cubes.
- Silicone Spatula: Great for scraping the bottom of the pot to get all the flavorful "fond" into the broth.
If you happen to have a food processor, you can use the slicing blade for the carrots and celery to save even more time. However, I usually find that doing it by hand is a nice way to decompress after a long day. There’s something meditative about the rhythm of the knife on the cutting board.
Simple Stages for Perfecting Your Flavorful One Pot Meal
1. The Aromatic Base
Start by heating the 2 tbsp Virgin Coconut Oil over medium heat. Add your diced Yellow Onion, sliced Carrots, and chopped Celery. Sauté these for about 8 minutes until the onions are translucent and the carrots look slightly glossy. Don't rush this!
This stage creates the flavor "base" for the entire soup.
2. The Hearty Core
Add the 4 cloves of minced Garlic and cook for only 1 minute until you can smell the aroma clearly. Note: Adding garlic too early can cause it to burn and turn bitter. Now, stir in the 0.5 cup Plain Tomato Sauce, 1 tsp Dried Oregano, and 1 tsp Dried Thyme.
Let this cook for 2 minutes to take the "raw" edge off the tomato.
3. The Gentle Simmer
Pour in the 6 cups Low Sodium Vegetable Broth and add your cubed Yukon Gold Potatoes and the 15 oz can of Chickpeas. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
4. The Fresh Finish
Stir in the 1 cup Fresh Green Beans and cook for another 5 minutes. You want them to be tender but still have a slight snap. Turn off the heat and stir in the 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach and the 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice. Season with the 0.5 tsp Sea Salt and 0.25 tsp Cracked Black Pepper.
The spinach will wilt in about 30 seconds.
Chef Tip: Freeze your butter... wait, no butter here! Instead, freeze your leftover tomato sauce in an ice cube tray. Each cube is usually about 1-2 tablespoons, which is perfect for adding a quick flavor boost to future soups.
Once the soup is done, let it sit for about 5 minutes with the lid on. This allows the flavors to settle and the broth to thicken just a tiny bit more. It’s the hardest part of the process because the kitchen will smell incredible, but it's worth the wait.
Solving Common Texture and Seasoning Issues with Ease
Sometimes things go sideways in the kitchen, but soup is the most forgiving medium. Most issues can be fixed with a little heat or a splash of something acidic. If your soup feels "flat," it’s usually a lack of salt or acid, not a lack of ingredients.
Why Your Potatoes Are Hard
If your potatoes are still crunchy after the simmer time, it’s likely because they weren’t cut small enough or the broth wasn’t at a high enough temperature. Ensure you have a true simmer - tiny bubbles breaking the surface - to break down those starches.
| Problem | Root Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Thin Broth | Not enough starch release | Mash 1/2 cup of the beans and potatoes against the side of the pot. |
| Bitter Taste | Burnt garlic or herbs | Add a pinch of coconut sugar or more tomato sauce to balance. |
| Mushy Veggies | Overcooked | Next time, add the green beans and spinach at the very end. |
Remember, you can always cook it longer, but you can't "un cook" it. If you're unsure about the doneness of your vegetables, just take a small piece out and taste it. It’s the only way to be 100% sure.
Creative Ways to Customize Your Wholesome Vegetable Soup Bowl
If you're not strictly following the Daniel Fast, or if you just want to change things up for the family, there are endless ways to tweak this. I love adding a bit of heat or a different herb profile depending on what’s in the garden.
- Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes during the aromatic sauté stage.
- Creamy Coconut: Swap 1 cup of broth for 1 cup of full fat coconut milk for a Thai inspired twist.
- Grain Power: Stir in 1 cup of cooked quinoa or brown rice at the very end to make it even more filling.
If you enjoy a bit of a crunch with your meal, serving this alongside a fresh salad is a great choice. I often pair it with a quick Cucumber Kimchi (Oi Sobagi) recipe if I'm not fasting, as the fermented tang and cold crunch provide a beautiful contrast to the warm, soft soup.
| Original Ingredient | Substitute | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Yukon Gold Potatoes | Sweet Potatoes | Adds a sugary depth and more Vitamin A. Note: Will make the soup much sweeter. |
| Fresh Spinach | Kale | Stays firm longer. Note: Requires 5-8 minutes more simmering time to soften. |
| Vegetable Broth | Water + Bouillon | More cost effective. Note: Watch the salt levels carefully. |
Using what you have is the heart of budget cooking. Don't feel pressured to run to the store if you have a perfectly good head of kale in the fridge that needs using up. Just adjust your timing and keep on simmering!
Smart Storage and Practical Leftover Management Tips
One of the best things about this Fast Vegetable Soup is that it actually tastes better the next day. As it sits in the fridge, the potatoes continue to release starch and the herbs fully permeate the broth. It becomes thicker, richer, and more cohesive.
- Storage
- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing
- This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Leave about an inch of space at the top of your container as liquid expands when frozen.
- Reheating
- Use the stovetop over medium low heat. You might need to add a splash of water or extra broth, as the potatoes will have soaked up some liquid overnight.
Zero Waste Tip: Don't throw away those celery leaves! Chop them up and stir them in with the spinach. They have a concentrated celery flavor that is absolutely delicious. Also, save your onion skins and carrot peels in a bag in the freezer to make your own vegetable stock later.
Elegant Serving Ideas for Your Festive Daniel Fasting Table
Just because you're fasting doesn't mean your meal shouldn't look beautiful. Presentation is half the battle when it comes to feeling satisfied with a plant based meal. A little bit of care in how you bowl the soup goes a long way.
- The Lemon Garnish: Place a thin slice of fresh lemon on top of each bowl. It looks professional and allows guests to squeeze in extra brightness if they want.
- Herb Dusting: Save a tiny bit of the dried oregano to sprinkle over the top right before serving for a pop of color.
- The "If you want X, do Y" list:
- If you want a rustic look, leave the carrot peels on (just scrub them well).
- If you want a clean, clear broth, skip the tomato sauce and add extra herbs.
- If you want a more substantial meal, serve over a scoop of steamed brown rice.
I’ve found that serving this in wide, shallow bowls makes it feel more like a "main event" rather than just a side dish. It's a humble meal, but it carries so much warmth. This Delicious Daniel Fast Vegetable Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a way to slow down, nourish yourself, and appreciate the simple flavors of the earth.
I hope this pot of soup brings as much comfort to your table as it has to mine. It’s a reminder that we don't need much to be happy just a few good vegetables, a bit of heat, and someone to share a bowl with. Happy cooking!
Recipe FAQs
Can you eat vegetable soup on the Daniel Fast?
Yes. Vegetable soup made with water or compliant vegetable broth, vegetables, legumes, and seasonings is allowed on the Daniel Fast. Ensure no prohibited ingredients like meat, dairy, white sugar, or processed oils are used.
What vegetable broth is Daniel Fast friendly?
Look for low-sodium, all-vegetable broth. The best option is homemade, but store-bought is fine if it contains only water, vegetables, and seasonings, with no added sugars, artificial flavors, or meat products.
Can I have vegetable soup while fasting?
Yes, vegetable soup is a great choice for fasting. It's hydrating, nutrient rich, and can help you feel full without violating most fasting guidelines, especially if it adheres to the specific rules of your fast.
What gives veggie soup more flavor?
Build layers of flavor by sautéing aromatics first. Use ingredients like onions, garlic, and celery cooked in compliant oil, and don't forget herbs, spices, a splash of lemon juice for brightness, or even a dash of smoked paprika for depth.
Can I add potatoes to my Daniel Fast soup?
Yes, potatoes are allowed. They contribute to the heartiness and naturally thicken the soup as their starches are released during simmering, similar to how starch helps thicken sauces in recipes like Skyline Chili: Authentic Cincinnati Chili 3-Way Recipe.
What if my vegetable soup is too thin?
Mash some of the cooked vegetables. Gently mash about half a cup of the potatoes and chickpeas against the side of the pot with a spoon or masher; this releases more starch and naturally thickens the broth.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, and it often tastes better. Flavors meld and deepen overnight, making leftovers delicious. Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Daniel Fast Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 208 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 7.1 g |
| Fat | 5.4 g |
| Carbs | 34.8 g |
| Fiber | 7.2 g |
| Sugar | 6.1 g |
| Sodium | 345 mg |