11 Comforting Vegetarian Soups and Salads, for NCR

Happy New Year to my family, friends and readers. Wishing everyone good eats, prosperity and health for 2017. What better way to do that than present The No Croutons Required roundup of vegetarian soups and salads received for the early winter edition? Settle in and see what is on the menu this time around. As always, a special thanks to everyone who contributed something from their table.

Recipe: Japanese Style Mushroom, Tofu and Noodle Broth

Chef: Heta
Blog: The VegHog
Location: UK

I can't think of a better way to start the new year than serving up some mushrooms. This warming vegan dish features spiralized yellow carrots, mixed exotic mushrooms, radishes and tender chunks of tofu in a delightful spicy broth with udon noodles. This dish speaks pure comfort.

Recipe: Autumn Chickpea and Lentil Soup

Chef: Janet
Blog: The Taste Space
Location: Canada

Chickpeas are essentially a weekly affair in my kitchen, and pair them with lentils and meld them into a glorious soup with carrots, tomatoes, sage, oregano, basil and kale and you have everything you need.

Recipe: Cabbage, Apple and Cashew Salad with Peanut Dressing

Chef: Helen
Blog: Roast Chicken and a Country Walk
Location: UK

Next we have a gorgeous salad featuring cleansing Asian flavours. Cabbage, spring onions, chili, apple, carrot, bean sprouts, coriander and cashews are all dressed up with peanut butter, tamarind, chili sauce and lime juice.

Recipe: Spiced Carrot, Lentil & Kale Soup

Chef: Jacqueline
Blog: Tinned Tomatoes
Location: UK

My co-host for this long running event contributes this mouthwatering and nourishing soup. This lovely bowl features onion, garlic, ginger, plenty of carrots, lentils, cumin, coriander, turmeric and kale. Whiz it all up and serve with some crusty bread for a most satisfying meal.

Recipe: Roasted Pumpkin, Ramiro Pepper and Leek Soup

Chef: Kate
Blog: The Gluten Free Alchemist
Location: UK

Pumpkin is one of my favorite additions to autumn soups and now I've found yet another lovely soup to enjoy. Roasted vegetables, in this case, pumpkin, Ramiro peppers and leeks are blended with onion, garlic, ginger and soy sauce. Served up with a dollop of cream or yogurt, yes please.

Recipe: Rainbow Salad with Orange and Sesame Dressing

Chef: Johanna
Blog: Green Gourmet Giraffe
Location: Australia

This colourful salad is indeed a feast for the eyes and it packs a good dose of nourishment too. Cabbage, carrots, beetroot, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas and spinach are dressed with a zesty mixture of orange juice, vinegar, soy sauce and sesame oil. This is sure to brighten your table, no matter the occasion or time of year.

Recipe: Rainbow Carrots, Puy Lentil and Barley Salad

Chef: Shaheen
Blog: Allotment to Kitchen
Location: UK

Next up is another colourful and comforting salad. Chewy barley features here with rainbow carrots, puy lentils and scallions. This is my type of winter salad too and it's a complete meal in a bowl as well.

Recipe: Roasted Tomato and Bread Soup

Chef: Katie
Blog: Katie Cakes
Location: UK

A thick and delightfully creamy tomato soup is surely one of the most comforting cold weather meals. Roasted tomatoes, garlic and onion feature here with basil, chili flakes and ciabatta. The ciabatta creates a wonderful depth to this soup that is sure to warm and nourish.

Recipe: Leek and Potato Soup with Wholemeal Parmesan Croutons

Chef: Katie
Blog: Feeding Boys
Location: UK

No croutons are required but wholemeal Parmesan croutons sure do shine in this hearty and robust bowl of soup made up of potatoes and leeks and some complimentary seasonings. Satisfying and nourishing and surely one to please everyone at the table.

Recipe: Kale Butternut Squash Quinoa Soup

Chef: Mala
Blog: Mala's Kitchen
Location: India

Quinoa is one of my favorite grains and always a fine feature of soups. This balanced and fulfilling dish combines the quinoa with kale, squash, tomatoes, chana dal and spices. Just what you need for a complete and comforting meal.

Recipe: Hearty Mushroom and Barley Soup

Chef: Lisa
Blog: Lisa's Kitchen
Location: Canada

My contribution this month is a hearty and earthy mushroom and barley soup loaded with vegetables, herbs and spices. It's a warming and satisfying soup and serves up nicely with some crusty bread on the side to complete the experience.

And that concludes the No Croutons Required roundup for November and December. Jacqueline, my co-host for this event, is hosting the next edition of NCR. Check her post for details and to submit a recipe.