Get ready to fall in love with the vibrant, herbaceous world of Lovage Soup! This recipe is a joyful celebration of garden-fresh flavors, effortlessly blending lovage’s exhilarating celery-like notes with silky potatoes, aromatic onions, and a splash of creaminess. Perfect for those crisp evenings or whenever spring’s first herbs arrive, Lovage Soup is a comforting, velvety dish that feels both familiar and surprising. Whether you’re new to lovage or already a fan, this soup is destined to become a star in your seasonal repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the magical things about Lovage Soup is how a handful of simple, honest ingredients come together to create a dish full of depth and intrigue. Each element brings its own personality: flavor, body, creaminess, or brightness. Here’s what you’ll gather:

Olive oil: A smooth, fruity base that sautés the aromatics and lends gentle richness.
Onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds natural sweetness and savory backbone to balance the herbs.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Brings a mellow warmth and a bit of bite, making the entire soup taste more inviting.
Potatoes (3 medium, peeled and diced): Create the soup’s luxurious body and give it that wonderful, creamy texture.
Vegetable broth (4 cups): A flavorful foundation that ties the veggies and herbs together effortlessly.
Fresh lovage leaves (1 cup, loosely packed, chopped): The starring ingredient! Lovage brings celery-like brightness and a unique herbal freshness that makes this soup shine.
Heavy cream or coconut cream (1/2 cup, optional): For a lusciously creamy finish; choose coconut cream for a dairy-free twist.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essentials for perfect seasoning, coaxing out all those vibrant flavors.

How to Make Lovage Soup

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Pour the olive oil into a large pot and let it warm gently over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and let it sizzle, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until it turns soft and translucent. The sweet aroma will give you a hint of the coziness to come. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just 1 minute more, enough to mellow the sharpness and infuse the oil.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

Next, add your diced potatoes to the fragrant onion and garlic base. Stir everything together, then pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat. Let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the potatoes are perfectly tender and easy to break apart with a spoon. This stage builds the creamy heart of your Lovage Soup.

Step 3: Add the Lovage

Now it’s time for the hero of the show—fresh lovage leaves! Stir in the chopped lovage and let the soup simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. The aroma will blossom and the soup will take on that garden-fresh flavor that makes this dish so special. Adjust the amount if you prefer a lighter or bolder herbal note.

Step 4: Purée Until Smooth

Take the pot off the heat. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until lusciously smooth, or carefully ladle the mixture into a blender and purée in batches. However you choose to blend, the end result is a silky, comforting soup with vibrant green flecks.

Step 5: Add Cream and Season

For an optional touch of luxurious creaminess, gently stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream. Taste for seasoning and add salt and a few turns of cracked black pepper until everything sings. Warm it briefly if needed, and your Lovage Soup is ready to bowl up!

How to Serve Lovage Soup

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, garnish your Lovage Soup with a swirl of cream, a sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper, and a handful of tender lovage leaves. Not only does this highlight the herbal star of the soup, but it also adds a pop of color and a delicate aroma to each bowl.

Side Dishes

Serve Lovage Soup with thick slices of crusty bread, garlic croutons, or a flaky cheese scone. The hearty broth and bright herbal notes make it shine as a starter or a main, particularly when paired with a sharp green salad or a plate of roasted root vegetables for something more substantial.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, try serving Lovage Soup in tiny espresso cups at a spring garden party, or garnish with edible flowers and a drizzle of herbed oil for an elegant dinner starter. For a rustic approach, ladle it into a bread bowl and top with toasted pumpkin seeds for extra crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Lovage Soup will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. The flavors meld and deepen with time, making leftovers irresistible.

Freezing

To freeze Lovage Soup, let it cool completely and pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. It will keep well for up to two months. For best results, freeze before adding cream; you can stir it in after reheating for maximum silkiness.

Reheating

Gently reheat Lovage Soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If you’ve added cream, warm it slowly to avoid curdling. For a quick lunch, microwave individual portions in a covered bowl, stopping to stir halfway through.

FAQs

What does lovage taste like in soup?

Lovage brings a bold, celery-like flavor with a hint of fresh parsley and anise. It makes Lovage Soup taste uniquely green and aromatic, adding layers of depth that are both invigorating and comforting.

Can I use dried lovage if I don’t have fresh?

Fresh lovage delivers the brightest flavor, but if it’s out of season, use a smaller amount of dried lovage; start with a teaspoon and adjust to taste. The flavor will be less vibrant, so consider balancing with extra fresh herbs.

Is Lovage Soup suitable for vegans?

Absolutely! Simply use coconut cream instead of dairy cream, or leave it out for a lighter version. Otherwise, the soup is naturally plant-based and hearty as ever.

Can I make Lovage Soup with chicken broth?

Yes, chicken broth works beautifully for extra richness, though it changes the character from vegan or vegetarian. It pairs well with the herbal notes of lovage and the creaminess of the potatoes.

How do I tone down strong lovage flavor?

If your lovage is especially robust, start with half the listed amount and taste as you go. Extra potato, onion, or cream can mellow the profile, ensuring your Lovage Soup tastes bright but perfectly balanced.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fresh way to showcase garden herbs or simply crave a cozy, homemade soup with a twist, Lovage Soup delivers every time. Give this recipe a try, let it surprise you, and don’t forget to share a bowl (or two) with someone who loves new flavors as much as you do!

Lovage Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 8 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful and flavorful Lovage Soup recipe that showcases the unique taste of lovage, a herb with a celery-like flavor. This creamy soup is easy to make and perfect for a comforting meal any time of the year.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup chopped fresh lovage leaves (loosely packed)
1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add potatoes and vegetable broth, bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
Stir in chopped lovage and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth, or transfer to a blender in batches.
Stir in cream if using, then season with salt and pepper.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh lovage leaves if desired.

Notes

Lovage has a strong, celery-like flavor, so adjust the amount to your taste.
This soup pairs well with crusty bread and keeps in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: European