How To Cook Soya Mince Soup

Soya mince is a convenient, affordable, and nutritious ingredient that cooks quickly and absorbs flavours extremely well. When used in soup, it creates a hearty, comforting dish that feels just as filling as a meat-based version while remaining light and easy to prepare. Soya mince soup works well for busy days, cold weather, or when you want a protein-rich meal without much effort. The key is hydrating the mince properly, building a flavourful base, and allowing the soup to simmer long enough for the flavours to blend smoothly.

1. Rehydrate the Soya Mince Before Cooking
   Start by placing the dry soya mince in a bowl. Cover it with hot water or stock and let it sit for five to ten minutes until it softens and expands. Drain any extra liquid and squeeze the mince lightly to remove excess water. If you want extra flavour, you can rehydrate it directly in hot chicken or vegetable stock instead of plain water.
2. Build a Savoury Soup Base
   Heat oil in a pot and sauté chopped onions until they soften and turn golden. Add garlic, ginger, or celery if you like a deeper flavour. Stir in spices such as paprika, curry powder, cumin, or black pepper. Allow the spices to fry gently so their aroma develops. Add chopped tomatoes or tomato paste and cook until the mixture thickens into a rich base.
3. Add Vegetables for Depth and Nutrition
   Once the base is ready, add diced vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, peas, green beans, or spinach. Soya mince soup welcomes almost any vegetable, so you can use whatever you have available. Stir everything together and let the vegetables cook for a few minutes before adding the liquids.
4. Combine the Soya Mince and Liquid
   Add the softened soya mince to the pot and mix well. Pour in enough water, stock, or a mix of both to create a soup consistency you like. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for fifteen to twenty minutes. This simmering time allows the vegetables to soften and the soya mince to absorb the flavours from the broth.
5. Adjust Seasoning and Serve
   Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, herbs, or a splash of soy sauce for extra depth. If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer a little longer or mash a few vegetables inside the pot. Once everything is tender and well-seasoned, switch off the heat.

Serve your soya mince soup on its own or with bread, rice, or chapati. It is warm, filling, and even better the next day as the flavours continue to develop.

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