Description
Warming bowls of turmeric chicken soup deliver comfort and healing in one delightful recipe. Fragrant spices and nourishing ingredients combine to create a soul-soothing meal that will restore and energize you.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 cup chopped sweet potatoes (or white potatoes)
- 1 cup kale or spinach, chopped
Spices, Oils, and Liquids:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Awaken the aromatic base by heating olive oil in a spacious pot over medium temperature. Introduce diced onions and allow them to soften and become translucent for approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Enhance the flavor profile by incorporating minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, ground turmeric, cumin, and paprika. Stir these spices thoroughly, allowing their essential oils and healing compounds to bloom for 1-2 minutes.
- Integrate sliced carrots, chopped celery, and diced zucchini into the fragrant mixture. Gently sauté the vegetables to initiate their tenderization process, creating a robust foundation for the soup.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot, bringing the liquid to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat and allow the vegetables to become perfectly tender, developing deep, harmonious flavors for 10-15 minutes.
- Introduce shredded chicken and verdant spinach (or kale) to the simmering liquid. Let the ingredients meld together, ensuring the greens wilt and the chicken reaches optimal temperature.
- Calibrate the soup’s taste with salt and pepper, creating a balanced seasoning profile. Optional: Brighten the soup with a citrusy splash of lemon juice to elevate the complex flavor dimensions.
- Transfer the vibrant, nourishing soup into serving bowls. Complement with a slice of whole-grain bread for a complete, anti-inflammatory meal that supports holistic wellness.
Notes
- Boost the anti-inflammatory power by using fresh turmeric root instead of powder for enhanced healing properties and more vibrant flavor.
- Customize protein options by substituting chicken with tofu, tempeh, or white beans for vegetarian and vegan diet variations.
- Enhance gut health by adding probiotic-rich ingredients like fermented miso or a dollop of Greek yogurt when serving to support digestive wellness.
- Maximize nutrient absorption by including a small amount of black pepper, which helps activate curcumin in turmeric and increases its bioavailability.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg