How to Make Refreshing and Simple Vegan Malabar Spinach Soup for Your Family Meals

Are you looking for a vegan soup that is easy to cook, nutritious, and perfect for refreshing your family’s daily meals? Vegan Malabar spinach soup is not only a familiar, rustic dish but also rich in vitamins and great for cooling the body. With the recipe below, you can prepare a pot of vibrant green, naturally sweet soup in just 20 minutes—simple, healthy, and full of flavor.

A Simple, Nutritious Summer Soup

Vegan Malabar spinach soup is a traditional dish loved by many Vietnamese families, especially during hot weather. Malabar spinach is rich in fiber and vitamins A and C, which support digestion and help strengthen the immune system. In the vegan version, all animal-based ingredients are removed and replaced with tofu, mushrooms, and natural seasonings to create a clean, delicate sweetness.

Malabar spinach contains iron and several minerals that may help reduce the risk of anemia. It also has cooling properties that help lower body heat. When cooked as a vegan dish, it contains zero cholesterol, making it suitable for people on a diet or those following a healthy lifestyle. Studies also show that Malabar spinach can support weight management due to its very low calorie content—only about 20 kcal per 100 g.

A Simple Vegan Malabar Spinach Soup Recipe

This is a basic, easy-to-follow recipe ideal for anyone wanting a refreshing and nutritious vegan soup. With just a few common ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a flavorful pot of soup with beautiful green color and a naturally sweet aroma.

Ingredients

Preparing quality ingredients is the first step to a delicious dish. All ingredients are easy to find at markets or supermarkets.

• 300 g fresh Malabar spinach (choose young leaves and crisp stems)

• 1 block soft tofu (about 200 g)

• 20 g straw mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms

• 2 shallots, 1 stalk of green onion

• Seasonings: sea salt, vegan seasoning powder, ground pepper

Tip: Rinse Malabar spinach under running water to remove dirt and soak it in diluted salt water for 5 minutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

Pick out yellow or wilted leaves, wash thoroughly, and cut the Malabar spinach into 4–5 cm pieces. Cut the soft tofu into cubes. You may soak the tofu in light salt water for 1–2 minutes to help it firm up. Halve the mushrooms and finely mince the shallots.

Step 2: Make the light, sweet broth

Heat a pot with one tablespoon of cooking oil and sauté the minced shallots until fragrant. Add mushrooms and stir-fry for 2 minutes until they firm up and release their aroma. Pour in water and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.

Step 3: Finish the soup

When the broth begins to boil, add the tofu and Malabar spinach. Cook for 3–4 minutes. Season with 1 tablespoon of vegan seasoning powder and ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir gently and turn off the heat. Add chopped green onions and pepper before serving.

Tips for Making Bright Green, Flavorful Vegan Malabar Spinach Soup

To achieve the best natural sweetness and vibrant color, consider these helpful tips:

Avoid slimy texture or broken tofu

• Do not overcook the vegetables.

• Avoid stirring vigorously once the leaves start to soften.

• Turn off the heat after about 3 minutes of boiling to maintain the bright green color.

• Add tofu gently and stir using a wooden spoon in a single direction.

Food safety & storing leftovers

• Use stainless steel or ceramic cookware to avoid unwanted reactions.

• Allow leftover soup to cool completely before refrigerating, and consume within 24 hours.

• Reheat over low heat and avoid repeated boiling to prevent nutrient loss.

Other Vegan Malabar Spinach Soup Variations to Try

Here are some easy variations to make your meals more diverse and flavorful:

Malabar Spinach and Mushroom Soup – naturally sweet and nutrient-rich

The combination of Malabar spinach and assorted mushrooms creates a delicate sweetness and a pleasant aroma.

Suggested ingredients:

• Malabar spinach

• Straw mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, king oyster mushrooms

• Soft tofu or fried tofu

• Leek, salt, vegan seasoning

How to cook:

• Sauté the leek until fragrant, then add mushrooms and stir-fry to release their sweetness.

• Pour in water and simmer.

• Add Malabar spinach and season to taste.

• Turn off the heat once the vegetables are just cooked.

This soup is perfect for days when you want something light yet nutritious.

Malabar Spinach and Jute Leaves Soup – a rustic, traditional version

This variation is popular in northern Vietnam. Jute leaves combined with Malabar spinach and gourd create a soothing, countryside flavor.

Suggested ingredients:

• 50% Malabar spinach

• 30% jute leaves

• 20% gourd (loofah)

• Straw mushrooms or tofu

• Vegan seasoning

How to cook:

• Clean and trim the leaves, keeping the younger parts.

• Cook a broth with mushrooms for natural sweetness.

• Add gourd first, then jute leaves, and finally Malabar spinach.

• Season lightly to preserve the pure vegetable flavor.

The gourd adds a deeper sweetness while the jute leaves give the soup a mild, silky texture.

Malabar Spinach and Gourd Soup – sweet, refreshing, perfect for hot days

This is the simplest version but also one of the most refreshing.

Suggested ingredients:

• Malabar spinach

• Gourd

• Soft tofu

• Leek

How to cook:

• Peel the gourd and slice into rounds.

• Bring water to a boil, add the gourd to extract sweetness.

• Once it softens, add Malabar spinach.

• Add tofu for a milder, creamy touch.

This version helps cool the body quickly on hot summer days.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in vegan Malabar spinach soup?

Around 40–60 kcal per bowl, depending on the amount of tofu and mushrooms used.

How to enhance the flavor without using animal products?

Use dried shiitake mushroom broth, simmered vegetable stock, or add a small piece of rock sugar for balance.

Is this soup suitable for children and the elderly?

Yes. It provides vitamins and fiber for children and is easy to digest for seniors.

How long can the soup be stored?

Refrigerate for up to 24 hours and reheat at 70–80°C. Avoid boiling again to preserve vitamin C.

Conclusion

Vegan Malabar spinach soup is a simple yet nutritious dish that fits perfectly into your weekly meal plan. With easy steps and accessible ingredients, you can prepare a refreshing, healthy soup anytime. If you want to enjoy an authentic, restaurant-quality version of this dish, visit Vô Úy Vegetarian Restaurant for a truly delightful experience.