Vegan Filipino Sopas

Today's recipe is an easy one pot Vegan Sopas, A Filipino classic that will surely satisfy your soul and will make you remember what it’s like to be truly at home. A perfect soup using simple ingredients, a traditional recipe perfect for rainy days that will make the whole family gather during chilly days. Different families have different versions of their sopas. A big comforting batch of sopas, paired with warm pandesal is the ultimate comfort food. This hearty soup has a lot of flavor from vegan hot dogs, vegan butter and garlic. This vegan version is a great way to make meatless sopas with a lot of flavour. Even better the next day, there is no heartier meal than this delicious soup. Happy cooking!

What is Sopas?

Sopas is a Filipino macaroni soup similar to the Italian’s Pasta e Fagioli except that the Filipino Sopas has evaporated milk. It has also been said that it is the Filipino version of the American Chicken noodle soup. It is a healing nourishing meal for sick days that can be found in cafeterias, canteens and homes. This vegan versions done by using coconut milk and oat milk instead of the outdated and unhealthy dairy milk along with other simple ingredients. Come on, do you still drink milk from the cow? The cow is not your mom. Lol 😂 Kidding aside, you should really look at veganism. But no pressure, it’s just information, the choice is up to you.

Easiest way to make Sopas

Using the one pot technique. You can easily make this delicious heartwarming meal. Just cut up veggies including your aromatics throw it in a pot alongside vegan hotdogs, coconut milk, oatmilk and veg stock or water. This is pretty much freestyle and very forgiving. Use your intuition seasoning as you go. I used Nooch and garlic and mushroom powder to intensify the flavor. Here are some photos. More details on the recipe card or watch the video below. Leftover soup will be reduced and will result in a lot of flavor. You can use Soy curls as a substitute for meat products, add some vegan bouillon cubes, Chile peppers, chili powder, bay leaf and fresh cilantro for that Mexican noodle soup effect. This comfort food is the only thing you need to get through a cold day.

Ingredients:

• Vegan hotdogs
• Vegetable broth
• Olive oil
• Garlic cloves
• Onion
• Carrots
• Celery
• Elbow macaroni or small shell pasta
• Fresh parsley
• Bay leaf
• Soy sauce
• Nutritional yeast
• Salt and pepper

Steps:

1. Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
2. Add sliced vegan hotdogs to the pot and cook until lightly browned.
3. Stir in diced carrots and celery, allowing them to soften slightly.
4. Pour in vegetable broth and bring the soup to a simmer. Add bay leaf and a splash of soy sauce for extra flavor.
5. Once the vegetables are tender, add the elbow macaroni or small shell pasta to the pot. Cook until al dente.
6. Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Variations:

1. Creamy Vegan Sopas: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or your favorite non-dairy creamer for a lusciously creamy texture.
2. Spicy Vegan Sopas: Add chopped green chilies or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for an extra kick of heat.
3. Protein-Packed Vegan Sopas: Add cooked chickpeas or white beans to the soup for added protein and texture.

Substitutes:

1. Instead of vegan hotdogs, you can use vegan sausage or tofu crumbles for a different flavor profile.
2. If you don't have vegetable broth on hand, you can use water and vegetable bouillon cubes as a substitute.
3. Feel free to swap out the elbow macaroni or small shell pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta variety.

FAQs:

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, vegan sopas can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
2. How do I reheat leftovers? Simply heat the soup on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
3. Can I freeze vegan sopas? Yes, vegan sopas can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
4. Are there any additional toppings I can add? Consider adding vegan cheese shreds, crispy fried onions, or a drizzle of vegan sour cream for extra flavor and texture.
5. Can I customize the vegetables in this soup? Absolutely! Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand or prefer in your soup.
6. Can I make this soup gluten-free? Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta in place of the traditional variety for a gluten-free version of vegan sopas.

Hint: For an extra burst of umami flavor, try adding a splash of vegan Worcestershire sauce to the soup before serving.

Top Tip: To save time on busy weeknights, prep the vegetables and pasta ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to use. This will make assembling the soup quick and easy when you're ready to cook.

Indulge in the comforting flavors of vegan sopas and bring a taste of Filipino cuisine to your kitchen with these delicious recipes. Whether enjoyed as a hearty meal or a nourishing snack, vegan sopas are sure to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings.