Cooking With Plants Recipe by Anja Cass

13 February 2026

Yes… lettuce.

Not in a salad. Not in a sandwich.

In a warm, creamy, comforting soup.

This simple whole food plant-based recipe turns everyday ingredients into something silky and nourishing — without oil, dairy, or anything complicated.

It serves 1–2 people and comes together in about 15 minutes.

Perfect for using up lettuce before it wilts in the fridge.

Serves 1–2

Ingredients

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, chopped

• 1 small potato, chopped

• 2 cups vegetable stock

• 2–3 handfuls lettuce (any type)

• ½ cup butter beans (or any white beans)

• 1 tablespoon dried chives

• Dash white pepper

• Dash nutmeg

Optional Creamy Add-Ins

• Tofu

• Cauliflower

• Plant milk

• Cashews

To Serve

• Cashew cream

• Fresh chopped herbs

How To Make Lettuce Soup

1. Add onion, garlic, potato and vegetable stock to a pot.

2. Cook on low to medium heat for approximately 10–15 minutes, until the potato is soft.

3. Add the lettuce, beans, chives, white pepper and nutmeg.

4. Blend until smooth and creamy.

5. Serve with cashew cream or fresh chopped herbs on top.

Yum.

Why This Soup Works

• The potato creates natural creaminess.

• The white beans add body and protein.

• The lettuce becomes mild and slightly sweet once cooked.

• A dash of nutmeg gives subtle warmth and depth.

It’s simple — but surprisingly elegant.

Tips For Best Results

Don’t overcook the lettuce.
Add it towards the end to keep the vibrant green colour.

Blend thoroughly.
A high-speed blender will give you that silky texture that surprises people.

Make it thicker.
Add more beans.

Make it lighter.
Add a splash of hot water or stock after blending.

Want extra creaminess?
Blend in soaked cashews or a splash of unsweetened plant milk.

Is Lettuce Soup Healthy?

This recipe is:

• Whole food plant-based

• Oil-free

• Dairy-free

• High in fibre

• Naturally low in fat

It’s light, nourishing and easy to digest — perfect for lunch or a simple dinner.

What Type of Lettuce Works Best?

Any lettuce works.

Cos (romaine), butter lettuce, iceberg, or mixed leaves. Softer lettuces will blend more smoothly, but all varieties work beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This recipe proves that even the most overlooked ingredient can become something special.

Next time you see lettuce in your fridge, don’t think salad.

Think soup.

Want Even Simpler Recipes?

If you love recipes like this — minimal ingredients, quick to make, and completely plant-based — you’ll love my 3 Ingredient Cookbook.

It’s filled with incredibly simple whole food plant-based meals designed for busy days when you don’t want to overthink dinner.

👉 Check it out here - 3 Ingredient Cookbook!

Because healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated 💚