Vegan Cauliflower Gnocchi & Mushroom Soup
Move over Olive Garden. I’ve been inspired recently to put a vegan spin on classic dishes. I created this creamy spinach and mushroom vegan gnocchi soup after discovering Trader Joe's frozen cauliflower gnocchi. It’s so buttery and flavourful that you won't even miss all the gluten and dairy. If you don't have a Trader Joe's near you, no worries. Potato gnocchi will work just as well.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 celery sticks, finely chopped
- 3 large cloves of garlic, finely chopped or pressed
- 2 cups crimini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 1/2 tbsp. chickpea flour (all-purpose if not gluten-free)
- 1 1/2 tsp fresh thyme spice
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp fresh cracked pepper
- 5 cups vegetable stock or 5 cups hot water and 1 tbsp. vegetable stock paste
- 1 (12 ounces) bag Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi
- 1 (12 ounces) can coconut milk – full fat, unsweetened
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup vegan parmesan, plus more for topping
- 1/2 lemon, squeezed
INSTRUCTIONS
- To a large stockpot at the olive oil and heat on low-medium for 30 seconds before adding onions and celery. Cook them down for around 8-10 minutes, or until translucent, extremely fragrant, and soft. Do not rush this part.
- To the pot add the garlic and mushrooms. Cook down for 10 minutes on medium-high heat. Stir often to avoid burning.
- Once your mushrooms have been reduced by almost half, add the flour and still till the ingredients are all well coated. Add the thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot and stir well. Increase heat to high and add vegetable stock. Bring mixture to a boil then to a simmer. Add gnocchi and cook for 5-7 minutes before adding coconut milk, spinach, and parmesan cheese. Add lemon juice right before serving.
- Check for seasoning before enjoying it immediately. Garnish with more parmesan and drizzling of olive oil. Enjoy!
Storage: I always recommend that any soup with noodles or gnocchi to keep them stored separately so the soup base doesn’t just absorb into them.
