Easy Lemon Coriander Soup Recipe: A Refreshing, Healthy Comfort Food

A bowl of lemon coriander soup

This vibrant lemon coriander soup combines fresh vegetables with zesty citrus and aromatic herbs for a light, nutritious meal ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for cold evenings, immune support, or a refreshing starter!

Why You'll Love This Homemade Lemon Coriander Soup

When the weather turns chilly or you're feeling under the weather, nothing compares to a steaming bowl of homemade lemon coriander soup. This vibrant vegetable soup delivers a perfect balance of tangy lemon brightness and earthy coriander warmth that will awaken your taste buds while nourishing your body.

What makes this soup special:

• Quick and simple - Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish

• Naturally vegan and gluten-free - Perfect for most dietary needs

• Immune-boosting ingredients - Loaded with vitamin C from lemon and vegetables

• Light yet satisfying - Works beautifully as an appetizer or light meal

• Versatile base recipe - Easy to customize with additional proteins or vegetables

Let me show you how to make this refreshing lemon coriander soup that's become a reader favorite!

Ingredients for the Best Lemon Coriander Soup

For this simple yet flavorful soup, you'll need:

• 1 cup finely chopped cabbage - Adds texture and mild sweetness

• 1/2 cup finely chopped carrot - Provides natural sweetness and vibrant color

• 1/2 cup finely chopped beans - Offers texture and nutritional value

• 1 teaspoon butter - For sautéing (substitute with olive oil for vegan version)

• 4 cups vegetable stock - Creates a flavorful base (water works too)

• Salt to taste - Enhances all flavors

• 1 tablespoon cornflour - Gives the soup a slightly thicker consistency

• 1 cup chopped fresh coriander (cilantro) - The star ingredient for authentic flavor

• Juice of 1 lemon - Provides the signature tangy brightness

• Freshly ground black pepper - Adds gentle heat and depth

How to Make Lemon Coriander Soup - Step by Step

This soup comes together quickly with minimal effort. Here's exactly how to make it:

1. Sauté the vegetables

In a large pot, melt 1 teaspoon of butter over medium heat. Add your finely chopped cabbage, carrot, and beans to the pot. Sauté these colorful vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften but still maintain some texture.

2. Add liquid and bring to boil

Pour in 4 cups of vegetable stock (or water) into the pot with your sautéed vegetables. Season with salt according to your taste preference. Bring this mixture to a full rolling boil over medium-high heat.

3. Thicken the soup

While the soup is boiling, create a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornflour with 2-3 tablespoons of water in a small bowl until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the boiling soup while stirring continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. This will give your soup a slightly silky texture.

4. Simmer to perfection

Reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to simmer gently for 5-7 minutes. This brief simmering time allows the soup to thicken slightly while the flavors begin to meld together beautifully.

5. Add the signature flavors

Now for the star ingredients! Add the generous cup of freshly chopped coriander (cilantro) to the soup, stirring it through. The herbs will immediately release their aromatic flavor into the hot liquid.

Next, squeeze in the juice of one whole lemon. You can adjust this amount based on how tangy you prefer your soup, but the brightness of fresh lemon is what makes this recipe special.

6. Final seasoning

Season the soup with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give everything a final stir to ensure all flavors are well incorporated throughout the soup. Remove the pot from heat.

7. Serve and enjoy

Ladle your hot lemon coriander soup into bowls and garnish with a few fresh coriander leaves on top for a beautiful presentation. Serve immediately while hot for the most vibrant flavor experience.

Expert Tips for Perfect Lemon Coriander Soup

• Chop vegetables finely: The delicate nature of this soup works best when vegetables are cut into small, uniform pieces

• Fresh coriander is essential: Don't substitute dried coriander - the fresh herb provides the signature flavor

• Add lemon juice at the end: Adding citrus just before serving preserves its bright flavor that can diminish with prolonged cooking

• Taste before serving: Lemon intensity can vary, so adjust the final seasoning to your preference

Variations to Try

This versatile soup welcomes many creative variations:

• Protein boost: Add shredded chicken, tofu cubes, or cooked chickpeas

• Extra vegetables: Include finely chopped celery, bell peppers, or mushrooms

• Spice it up: Add a small green chili or 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes for heat

• Coconut twist: Replace 1 cup of stock with coconut milk for creamy richness

• Ginger addition: Add 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger with the vegetables for immune-boosting properties

Health Benefits of Lemon Coriander Soup

This soup isn't just delicious - it's nutritious too! Here's why you can feel good about enjoying this recipe:

• Vitamin-packed vegetables: Cabbage, carrots and beans provide essential vitamins and minerals

• Immune support: Lemons are rich in vitamin C, perfect for cold and flu season

• Digestive aid: Coriander has been traditionally used to support healthy digestion

• Hydrating properties: The high water content helps maintain proper hydration

• Low calorie: Makes a satisfying meal with minimal calories

Serving Suggestions

Lemon coriander soup pairs wonderfully with:

• Crusty whole grain bread for dipping

• A simple green salad with light vinaigrette

• Garlic breadsticks for a restaurant-style experience

• Vegetable sandwich for a complete lunch

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days

• Freezing: Not recommended as the fresh flavors diminish and vegetables can become mushy

• Reheating: Warm gently on stovetop until just heated through - avoid boiling which can dull the fresh flavors

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup without cornflour?

Yes! The cornflour simply adds a slight thickness. You can omit it for a clearer broth-style soup, or substitute with arrowroot powder for a gluten-free thickening option.

What can I substitute for fresh coriander if I don't like it?

If you're among those who find coriander tastes soapy, try substituting with fresh mint leaves or a combination of fresh parsley and a small amount of basil.

Is this soup good for weight loss?

With its low calorie count and high nutritional value, this soup makes an excellent addition to a weight management plan. The fiber from vegetables helps you feel fuller longer.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

While fresh is always best for the brightest flavor, you can substitute with 2-3 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice in a pinch.

This light and refreshing lemon coriander soup proves that healthy comfort food doesn't need to be complicated. With its vibrant flavors and simple preparation, it's perfect for weeknight dinners, light lunches, or as a starter for your next dinner party.

If you try this recipe, I'd love to hear how it turned out! Did you try any of the variations? Let me know in the comments below.

Keywords: lemon coriander soup, healthy vegetable soup recipe, easy lemon soup, vegan soup recipes, cilantro soup, immune-boosting soup, quick soup recipes

Recipe Card

Easy Lemon Coriander Soup

Prep Time: 10 minutesCook Time: 10 minutesTotal Time: 20 minutesServings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup finely chopped cabbage

• 1/2 cup finely chopped carrot

• 1/2 cup finely chopped beans

• 1 tsp butter

• 4 cups vegetable stock or water

• Salt to taste

• 1 tbsp cornflour

• 1 cup chopped fresh coriander (cilantro)

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Add chopped cabbage, carrot, and beans. Sauté for 5 minutes.

3. Add vegetable stock and salt. Bring to a boil.

4. Mix cornflour with water to make a paste. Add to soup while stirring.

5. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.

6. Stir in chopped coriander and lemon juice.

7. Season with black pepper and adjust salt if needed.

8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves.

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Calories: 65

• Protein: 2g

• Carbohydrates: 12g

• Fat: 2g

• Fiber: 3g

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