Looking for Low oil, everyday simple soup recipe? Try this Vegetarian Lemon Coriander Soup that is made with fresh vegetables and contains no preservatives or cornstarch. Easy to make with step-wise recipe instructions.
Lemon Coriander Soup is a healthy, gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian clear soup recipe without cornstarch or cornflour. Made with a variety of vegetables, this soup is flavored with lemon grass, fresh lemon juice and coriander leaves.
Lemon Coriander Soup is a popular Indo Chinese Soup available in most Indian restaurants. The restaurant version uses bare minimum vegetables and is thickened with cornstarch. However, this home-style soup version is the one we absolutely relish at home.
An excellent soup when feeling under the weather as it contains turmeric and black pepper. It is a refreshing change from heavy cream based soups and great for detox.
This Vitamin C boosting Vegetarian soup is best for winters, seasonal weather change or sniffles. The flavorful broth helps in easing discomfort caused due to blocked nose.
This soup is perfect for those who are looking for low-oil, vegetable loaded soups and / or staying away from carbs. It provides nutrition and taste, without compromising your taste buds.
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This soup is made using pantry staples. Absolutely no extra rounds to the supermarket scouting for the ingredients. The recipe is easily customizable and can be made with vegetables available in your refrigerator. Do read the ingredient list for options / alternatives / substitutions.
We prefer simple soups at home and the ones that always don't call for artificial thickeners. This soup is made without any cornstarch. In case you prefer a bit of a body to your lemon coriander soup that cornstarch provides, I have provided details of quantities in the recipe card below.
South Indian Lemon Rasam (A broth like soup with lentils and spices) is another great way to consume lemons during winters. You can also try our Lemon Rice for Main Course.
Ingredients
Please note that all the ingredients (complete list) with measurements is mentioned in the recipe card below.
Vegetables - I add seasonal vegetables to the soup. This is the perfect "Clean your refrigerator Soup". I have been guilty of adding way more vegetables to this soup.
Carrots, French beans and cabbage are used for the recipe. These crunchy vegetables are a good contrast to the delicate soup.
You can add Broccoli, Peas, Corn or leafy greens like Spinach or Kale.
Coriander Leaves + Stem - Since the soup is all about coriander, both stem and leaves are used.
Note - Substitute Coriander with Cilantro.
If you make vegetable stock or broth at home, include coriander stems. They are packed with flavour.
Ginger + Garlic + Spring onions (scallions) - You can substitute spring onions with regular onions too or use leeks, white onions if you like.
The quantity of ginger and garlic might seem a bit much but it really is essential for a good flavourful soup. Always chop and add them instead of using a paste.
Instead of Water or Stock, you can use Better than Bouillon paste. If using store bought stock, opt for a low sodium one.
Lemon Juice - Extract fresh juice, measure and use for the recipe. Add the juice after you have switched off the gas stove.
If you bulk cook this soup (like me), add the lemon juice only to the portions you are serving and store the remaining in the refrigerator.
Black Pepper Powder + Turmeric Powder - Adds flavor, health and nutrition to the soup.
Did you know that you adding black pepper along with turmeric increases the absorption of curcumin? Source
Variations
If you are looking to include Protein - Add Tofu (plant-based) or Paneer (Cottage Cheese). Beans like Chickpeas or Kidney Beans can be added.
Soba Noodles or any other Gluten Free Noodles can be added for a Lemon Coriander Noodle Soup and turn into a one bowl filling meal.
This soup is NOT SPICY. You could add some red chilli flakes or finely chopped green chillies.
How to Thicken Lemon Coriander Soup?
If you like thick soups, mix 2 tsp of cornflour or cornstarch in 1/4th cup of water. Add after the soup has reduced and just before adding the coriander leaves, lemon juice.
Step by Step Recipe to Make Lemon Coriander Soup at home
(1) Finely chop, grate and assemble all the ingredients to make the soup.
(2) Heat a sauce pan, add olive oil, garlic, ginger and spring onions (white portion).
(3) Saute them for a couple of minutes until the onions are translucent.
(4) Now add all the vegetables (carrot + cabbage + Beans) along with finely chopped coriander stems. Saute this for a couple of minutes until the vegetables shrink in volume and start leaving some moisture in the sauce pan.
(5) Now, add water or stock along with salt to taste and lemon grass stalks.
(6) Now add freshly cracked black pepper.
(7) And some turmeric powder. Mix well, cover and allow it to cook on low flame for atleast 10 to 15 minutes.
(8) Once the vegetables have cooked (volume of liquid / stock has reduced), add finely chopped coriander leaves and spring onion greens. At this stage, check salt and add extra, if required.
(9) Switch off the flame and add lemon juice. Stir once and serve immediately.
Note - If serving the soup later, add lemon juice just before serving
Recipe Notes -
- Quantities of ingredients can be easily adjusted according to your tastes, preferences and availability.
- The quantity of lemon juice will depend on how tangy you prefer your soup. Add more or less as required.
- Lemon Grass is optional. It provides lemony citrusy flavour to the soup.
- Adding turmeric powder is optional.
Serving Suggestions
Want More vegetables in your diet? Try serving the soup with Zucchini Noodles or Zoodles. This combo works under the "low oil, low carb, gluten-free and vegan meal options"
Turn this into a Full Blown Indo Chinese Meal by serving the soup as an appetizer followed by some Vegetarian Fried Rice accompanied with Mixed Vegetables in Hot Garlic Sauce.
Fusion Flavors - Combine the soup with Middle Eastern Beetroot Hummus and Air Fryer Falafel. Add some Pita bread to the menu for a simple yet refreshing lunch.
Recommended Soup Recipes
Sweet Corn Soup (Indo Chinese Style without cornflour)
Pumpkin Soup with home made pumpkin puree
Fresh Tomato Soup Recipe (No Cream or Cornflour used)
Instant Pot Minestrone Soup (Soup with Pasta, Vegetables and Beans)
Mushroom Soup (GF, Vegan)
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Lemon Coriander Soup Recipe (GF, Vegan)
Ingredients
- ½ cup Cabbage finely chopped
- ¾ cup Carrots grated
- ¼ cup French beans finely chopped
- 2 tbsp Ginger finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Garlic finely chopped
- ½ cup Spring Onion White finely chopped
- 2 tbsp Spring Onion Greens finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Coriander stems finely chopped
- ¼ cup Coriander leaves finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice Read notes below
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- ¼ tsp Turmeric Powder
- 2 tsp Olive Oil
- 4 cups Vegetable Stock or Water
- Salt to taste
For Garnish (optional)
- Few Slices of Lemon
- spring onion greens Finely chopped
- Coriander leaves finely chopped
1 cup is 250 ml, 1 tbsp is 15 ml and 1 tsp is 5 ml
Instructions
- Heat a sauce pan, add olive oil, garlic, ginger and spring onion (white portion). Saute them for a couple of minutes until the onions are translucent.
- Now add all the vegetables (carrot + cabbage + Beans) along with finely chopped coriander stems. Cook the vegetables on low heat until they leave some moisture in the pan.
- Now add 4 cups of water or stock along with salt to taste, lemon grass stalks, freshly cracked black pepper and turmeric powder.
- Cover the saucepan and allow it to cook on low heat for atleast 15 minutes.
- Once the vegetables have cooked (volume of liquid / stock has reduced), add finely chopped coriander leaves and spring onion greens. At this stage, check salt and add extra, if required.
- Switch off the flame and add lemon juice. Stir once and serve immediately.
- Garnish with slices of lemon, some finely chopped coriander leaves and spring onion greens. and serve with an accompaniment of your choice.
Notes
- Quantities of ingredients can be easily adjusted according to your tastes, preferences and availability.
- The quantity of lemon juice will depend on how tangy you prefer your soup. Add more or less as required. Also add lemon juice only after the gas flame has been switched off and the soup is off heat.
- I have not used any spice like red chilli powder and / or green chillies. The Ginger and black pepper powder add enough heat to the recipe.
- Lemon Grass is optional. I add it because it gives that lemony citrusy flavour to the soup.
- Adding turmeric powder is optional but highly recommended for soups, especially during winter.
- The Recipe is Gluten Free and Vegan. Also does not contain nuts.
- This recipe is unlike the Indo Chinese Style Lemon Coriander Soup served at restaurants. It is not thickened with cornflour nor has any vinegar or soy sauce.
- If you like thick soups, mix 2 tsp of cornflour in 1/4 cup of water. Add this after the soup has reduced and just before you add the coriander leaves and lemon juice.
- You can increase the quantity of cornflour as per desired thickness.
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We will be back again with yet another exciting recipe .. Until then, stay healthy and happy!
Vidya Narayan
Very well written recipe
Thank you so much for the appreciation.