Green Olive Soup

The Green Olive Soup is a unique twist on comfort food, blending Mediterranean flavors with hearty ingredients for a warming, plant-based meal. The salty tang of green olives pairs beautifully with the creaminess of potatoes, while leeks and garlic add aromatic depth. This soup is a great go-to for easy weeknight meals, offering a perfect balance of nutrition and taste. Whether you’re serving it for lunch or dinner, it’s guaranteed to impress both olive lovers and curious foodies alike. Pair it with some crusty artisan bread or a fresh salad for a complete, satisfying meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 leek, sliced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 ½ pounds (700g) potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 4 cups vegetable stock

• 1 cup green olives, sliced

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the sliced leek and chopped celery, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened.

2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add the cubed potatoes, nutritional yeast, oregano, and vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

4. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.

5. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup partially or fully depending on your desired consistency.

6. Stir in the sliced green olives and simmer for 5 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra olives if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

A Comforting Twist: Discover the Magic of Green Olive Soup

In the world of plant-based cooking, certain ingredients often steal the show avocados, tofu, and lentils are all household staples for vegans and vegetarians alike. But there’s one ingredient that doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves: the humble green olive. Salty, tangy, and packed with Mediterranean flair, green olives are a flavor bomb that can transform even the simplest of meals. Enter Green Olive Soup a creamy, savory bowl of comfort that proves olives can shine in unexpected places.

This Green Olive Soup recipe brings together classic pantry staples like potatoes, leeks, and celery, elevating them with the briny complexity of green olives. Whether you’re a long-time olive enthusiast or just looking to shake up your usual soup routine, this dish is a must-try.

Why Green Olives Work So Well in Soup

At first glance, green olives may not seem like a typical soup ingredient. They’re often relegated to cheese platters, tapenades, or martinis. However, when used thoughtfully, green olives can bring an unexpected depth of flavor that balances beautifully with creamy or starchy elements like potatoes.

Green olives are typically firmer and more bitter than their black counterparts, thanks to their early harvest. This tangy profile makes them a wonderful contrast to the smoothness of blended vegetables, allowing them to stand out without overwhelming the dish. In this recipe, the olives are stirred in toward the end of cooking, maintaining their structure and bite while infusing the broth with their signature salty punch.

A Creamy Base Without the Cream

One of the best features of this Green Olive Soup is its richness achieved entirely without dairy. The creaminess comes from blending cooked potatoes and sautéed leeks, which create a velvety texture that rivals any traditional cream-based soup. This makes the dish suitable for vegans, lactose-intolerant individuals, or anyone trying to cut back on heavy cream without compromising on mouthfeel.

Adding nutritional yeast, a favorite in vegan cooking, enhances the soup with a subtle cheesy note and boosts its nutritional value with B-vitamins and protein. The result? A soup that’s hearty, satisfying, and completely plant-based.

Mediterranean Flavors in Every Bite

Mediterranean cuisine is known for its bold yet simple flavor profiles fresh herbs, good olive oil, and vibrant ingredients like olives and garlic. This soup is a celebration of that culinary tradition. With the addition of dried oregano and a garnish of fresh parsley, every spoonful feels like a warm escape to a seaside village.

For those who appreciate Mediterranean food for its health benefits, this soup checks all the boxes. It’s high in fiber, contains heart-healthy fats, and is naturally free of refined sugars and preservatives. It’s also incredibly adaptable feel free to add other Mediterranean ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or chickpeas for an even more robust experience.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Make-Ahead Meals

Green Olive Soup isn’t just delicious it’s also incredibly practical. It stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days and tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen and meld. It can also be frozen for longer storage, making it a smart choice for busy home cooks who like to prep meals in advance.

To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock if needed to loosen the consistency. It’s ideal for a quick weekday lunch, an easy dinner, or even a cozy starter for a dinner party.

Nutritional Profile and Health Benefits

This soup may feel indulgent, but it’s deceptively good for you. Here’s a quick look at the health benefits packed into each bowl:

• Green Olives: Rich in monounsaturated fats that support heart health, plus antioxidants like vitamin E.

• Potatoes: Provide potassium, vitamin C, and complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.

• Leeks and Celery: Low in calories but high in flavor and fiber, great for digestion and overall health.

• Nutritional Yeast: A complete protein that’s also a great source of B12 (especially when fortified), crucial for vegan diets.

Together, these ingredients create a nourishing, well-balanced meal that supports immune health, energy levels, and overall well-being.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

While the soup stands strong on its own, it also pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to round out your meal:

• Rustic Bread: A thick slice of sourdough or multigrain bread for dunking is the ultimate cozy combo.

• Grain Salad: Serve with a farro or quinoa salad for a hearty lunch.

• Roasted Veggies: A tray of balsamic-glazed carrots or crispy Brussels sprouts would complement the savory depth of the soup.

• Wine Pairing: If you’re enjoying this at dinner, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé pairs wonderfully with the soup’s salty, herby notes.

You can also serve the soup as an appetizer in smaller portions before a main course of roasted vegetables, pasta, or a vegan casserole.

Customization Ideas

One of the beauties of this recipe is how customizable it is. Don’t be afraid to tweak it based on your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.

• Umami Boost: Stir in a spoonful of white miso paste or a splash of soy sauce.

• Extra Veggies: Add spinach, kale, or zucchini for added texture and nutrition.

• More Protein: Blend in cooked white beans or lentils for a protein-rich version.

Whatever direction you take, the base of leeks, potatoes, and olives is versatile enough to handle a variety of upgrades.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Soup

Comforting, healthy, and refreshingly unique, Green Olive Soup is the kind of recipe that makes its way into your regular rotation without you even realizing it. It hits all the right notes creamy without being heavy, flavorful without being complicated, and surprising without straying too far from familiar tastes.

It’s also a great dish to share with others, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or introducing someone to plant-based meals. The vibrant flavor profile tends to win over even those who aren’t typically olive lovers.

Conclusion:

Green Olive Soup may sound unconventional at first, but once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. This dish is a celebration of bold Mediterranean flavors, balanced nutrition, and cozy comfort all in one bowl. It’s a prime example of how vegan cooking can be both indulgent and healthy, familiar and new.

Whether you’re looking to expand your plant-based recipe collection, find your next favorite comfort food, or impress friends with a unique dinner starter, Green Olive Soup delivers on all fronts. Don’t underestimate the power of a good olive it might just become your new secret ingredient.