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Spicy Gochujang Vegetable Soup with Tofu and Chickpeas (Hearty One-Pot Meal)

If you’re craving a bold, comforting, and nourishing soup, this spicy gochujang vegetable soup with tofu and chickpeas delivers everything you want in one pot. It’s packed with vegetables, plant-based protein, warming spices, and a rich, savory broth that tastes like it simmered all day — even though it comes together easily.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

Vegetables

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 3 carrots sliced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 1 medium sweet potato peeled and cubed
  • 1 medium potato peeled and cubed

Protein & Grains

  • 1 can chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • 7 oz firm tofu cubed
  • ¾ cup orzo pasta

Flavor Boosters

  • 2 –3 tablespoons gochujang adjust to taste
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • Herbs Spices & Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes optional
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Greens & Finishing Touches

  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 6 –7 cups vegetable broth
  • Fresh herbs parsley, cilantro, or green onions

Instructions
 

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in garlic, carrots, and bell pepper, cooking until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

  • Add the sweet potato and potato cubes. Stir well to coat them in the aromatics and spices. Sprinkle in smoked paprika, cumin, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Gochujang Magic

  • Whisk the gochujang with a splash of warm broth until smooth, then add it to the pot. This step prevents clumping and ensures the soup develops a deep, even heat.

Step 4: Simmer

  • Pour in the vegetable broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 5: Add Protein & Pasta

  • Stir in chickpeas, tofu cubes, nutritional yeast, and orzo. Simmer for another 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally so the orzo doesn’t stick.

Step 6: Finish with Greens

  • Fold in fresh spinach and cook just until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Keyword chickpea, orzo, tofu