Easy Vegan French Peasant Soup Recipe - Thriving With Less

The recipe I’m sharing with you today reminds me of the French peasant soup I ate in Southern France in the early 1980s. The trip was divine, but this soup is one of the things I remember the most.

What is Peasant Food?

Historically, peasant foods were dishes made from a person’s garden and whatever leftover kitchen scraps they could snag from their service at the manor. The scraps were paired with grains, vegetables, fruits, beans, and occasionally eggs or meats. They were further flavored with herbs and spices and made into hearty and filling stews, pottages, and even desserts. Since meats were so scarce, cows and chickens were usually used for milk and eggs – not dinner.

Many foods we revere now were once considered peasant foods in various countries. (Mincemeat pie, anyone?)

Peasant foods are still made from inexpensive grains, vegetables, fruits, beans, and meats. They’re perfect for using up foods nearing their expiration dates and are quick and easy to make. Mix these goodies with some herbs and spices, and you have a wonderful and easy “French Peasant Stew.”

Here’s a photo of the ingredients I used for my peasant soup recipe. I use what I had on hand and include fresh herbs from my garden. Ingredients include olive oil, carrots, celery, yellow zucchini, leeks, mushrooms, vegetable broth, beans, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf. I used white kidney beans for my soup, but you can use whatever beans you prefer.

Over high heat, add the sliced mushrooms to the hot pan and allow the mushrooms to sweat and brown. If using fresh herbs, place them on top of the mushrooms. The steam will help subtly impart the herbs’ oils into the mixture.

Add oil, crushed garlic, leeks, carrots, and zucchini to the pan and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes.

Add the vegetable broth and beans, then cover the pan. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the carrots are soft. Remove from the stove and If you used fresh herbs, be sure to take them out before serving!

Salt and pepper to taste, then serve with a slice of crusty bread and your favorite full-bodied red wine.

Looking for more single-serving recipes? Check these out!