Name: Nutritional Yeast Soup (aka Nooch Lovers Soup!) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3-4 tbsp water; 1 1/2 cups onion, diced; 1/2 cup celery, diced; 1/2 cup carrot, diced; 4 medium-large cloves garlic, minced; Couple pinches sea salt; 1 tsp dried basil; 1/2 tsp dried rosemary; 1 can (14 oz) canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained; 1 can (14 oz) canned cannellini beans, rinsed and drained; 2 cups vegetable stock; 1 bay leaf; 1/2 cup plain unsweetened non-dairy milk (organic unsweetened soy or cashew preferred); 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp nutritional yeast; 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1-2 tbsp chopped chives

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Dive into a bowl of cozy comfort with Nutritional Yeast Soup (aka Nooch Lovers Soup!), the ultimate creamy, savory vegan dream for anyone who loves all things “cheesy” – without any dairy at all! Powered by a magic combination of creamy blended beans, sweet veggies, and a generous heap of “nooch,” this soup delivers hearty satisfaction and an addicting flavor that makes you want to lick your bowl clean. Whether you’re vegan, plant-curious, or just after a craveable and nourishing meal, this soup is a one-pot wonder that’ll warm both your body and your soul.

Nutritional Yeast Soup (aka Nooch Lovers Soup!) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This soup is made with pantry-friendly ingredients that each add their own brilliance to the mix. Lean on humble beans for creaminess, nooch for bold umami, plenty of aromatics, and just a hint of citrus to really brighten things up. Here’s what you need and why!

Water: A splash in the pot instead of oil helps soften the veggies and keep this recipe extra light.
Onion: The aromatic backbone of the soup, bringing sweet, savory depth to every bite.
Celery: Adds a refreshing, slightly grassy note that balances the richness.
Carrot: Offers up a natural sweetness plus gorgeous golden color.
Garlic: Four big cloves = a big flavor boost for your broth.
Sea Salt: Essential for drawing out and marrying all the flavors.
Dried Basil: Lends a mellow herbal flavor that loves to cozy up with the nooch.
Dried Rosemary: Just a half teaspoon lends woodsiness—don’t skip it!
Canned Chickpeas: Creamy, filling, and subtly nutty—these make the soup thick and satisfying.
Canned Cannellini Beans: Extra silkiness with a mild flavor that lets other ingredients shine.
Vegetable Stock: The base for your soup—choose a low-sodium broth so you can control the salt.
Bay Leaf: Brings gentle, aromatic warmth that deepens overall flavor.
Unsweetened Non-Dairy Milk: Cashew or soy are best for creaminess without excess sweetness.
Nutritional Yeast: The star of Nutritional Yeast Soup (aka Nooch Lovers Soup!)—it delivers that savory, umami-rich “cheesy” magic.
Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice: A splash of brightness to finish—don’t leave it out!
Chopped Chives (optional): For serving, these add a pop of color and a super fresh, oniony lift.

How to Make Nutritional Yeast Soup (aka Nooch Lovers Soup!)

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating up a large pot over medium heat and add a bit of water, followed quickly by your onion, celery, carrot, and garlic. Stir everything together along with the salt, dried basil, and rosemary, then cover and let the vegetables sweat for about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simple water-sauté technique coaxes out their natural sweetness and savory flavors, forming a flavorful foundation for the soup.

Step 2: Add the Beans and Broth

Once your veggies smell amazing and begin to soften, it’s time to add the drained chickpeas and cannellini beans, along with your vegetable stock and bay leaf. Boost the heat to bring the whole pot to a boil, then immediately lower it to a simmer, cover, and let it bubble gently for about 15 minutes. This step melds all the flavors and starts to break down the beans for a creamier final soup.

Step 3: Add Creaminess and Nooch

Turn off the heat, fish out the bay leaf, and pour in your chosen non-dairy milk, ½ cup of nutritional yeast, and lemon juice. This is where Nutritional Yeast Soup (aka Nooch Lovers Soup!) gets its signature creamy, cheesy-tangy personality. If you want even more nooch flavor, you can always add the extra 2 tablespoons now or save it for the finishing touch.

Step 4: Blend Until Smooth

Grab a hand blender (or use a traditional blender, working in batches if needed!) and purée the soup until smooth and creamy. This transforms the beans and veggies into a thick, silky base that’s comfort in a bowl. If you like a little texture, consider stirring in some reserved whole beans at the end.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Warm-Up

With your soup blended, gently reheat it over low just until it’s piping hot again. Taste and tweak—add those final spoons of nutritional yeast for a bolder cheesy punch or a pinch more salt if needed. If the soup is thicker than you like, splash in more water or broth until it’s just right.

How to Serve Nutritional Yeast Soup (aka Nooch Lovers Soup!)

Garnishes

Top each steaming bowl with freshly chopped chives or scallions for vivid color and a burst of freshness. Try a crack of black pepper, a swirl of non-dairy yogurt, or even a sprinkle of extra nutritional yeast right before serving for an extra noochy finish.

Side Dishes

This soup is a standout on its own, but pairing it with warm crusty bread, seeded crackers, or a crisp, tangy green salad makes it a hearty lunch or light supper. Roasted sweet potatoes or garlic-rubbed toast also soak up every last drop of that velvety soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by serving Nutritional Yeast Soup (aka Nooch Lovers Soup!) in mini mugs or small espresso cups as an appetizer “shot.” Or, swirl a zig-zag of herby oil or vegan pesto on the surface for a stunning (and tasty!) finishing touch. Sprinkle on toasted chickpeas or crisp croutons for crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled to room temperature, transfer leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors deepen as they sit, so day-two soup is often even tastier!

Freezing

Nutritional Yeast Soup (aka Nooch Lovers Soup!) freezes beautifully! Pour cooled soup into freezer-friendly containers, leaving a little headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring regularly until warmed through. If the soup has thickened in the fridge or freezer, stir in a bit of water or non-dairy milk until it reaches your preferred consistency.

FAQs

Can I make this soup oil-free?

Absolutely! The recipe is designed to be oil-free, using water for sautéing the veggies. If you prefer, you can use a splash of olive oil for a different depth of flavor, but it’s definitely not necessary for a delicious result.

What’s the best non-dairy milk for Nutritional Yeast Soup (aka Nooch Lovers Soup!)?

Choose a plain, unsweetened type like organic soy or cashew—they’re creamy and neutral, letting the nooch and veggies shine. Avoid coconut or almond if you don’t want any added sweetness or strong flavors in your soup.

Is there a substitute for nutritional yeast?

Nutritional yeast really creates that unique, “cheesy” essence in this soup, so there’s not a perfect sub. If you’re out, a dash of miso can add some umami, but it won’t be quite the same as the signature Nutritional Yeast Soup (aka Nooch Lovers Soup!) flavor.

How can I add extra protein?

Bump up the chickpeas or cannellini beans by an extra half-can, or stir in some cooked quinoa or cubed tofu after blending for even bigger plant-protein power without sacrificing texture.

Can I make this soup chunkier instead of smooth?

Definitely! After pureeing, stir in a cup of reserved whole beans or cooked veggies for texture, or blend only part of the mixture and leave some chunks. Nutritional Yeast Soup (aka Nooch Lovers Soup!) is wonderfully versatile!

Final Thoughts

From its creamy comfort and big, bold flavor to its flexible ingredients and no-fuss one-pot process, Nutritional Yeast Soup (aka Nooch Lovers Soup!) deserves a place in every home cook’s repertoire. Give it a try next time you’re craving a nourishing bowl of goodness—you won’t regret it!