This warm and comforting turmeric chicken soup is a fantastic way to boost your health! It’s packed with tender chicken, colorful veggies, and that golden turmeric spice that’s great for you.
Honestly, every time I make this soup, it feels like I’m giving my body a cozy hug! I love sipping it when I’m feeling a bit under the weather. Perfect with some crusty bread!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turmeric: This main ingredient provides the soup’s beautiful color and anti-inflammatory benefits. If fresh turmeric is unavailable, stick with ground turmeric. Fun tip: you can add a pinch of black pepper to enhance turmeric’s absorption in your body!
Chicken: Use cooked shredded chicken for ease. Rotisserie chicken works well! If you’re vegetarian, consider using canned chickpeas or beans instead for protein and richness.
Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and cauliflower are great choices. Feel free to use any veggies you have on hand, like bell peppers or spinach. They’ll add color and nutrition, too!
Broth: Homemade chicken broth is fantastic, but low-sodium store-bought broth is fine too. If you’re vegetarian, use vegetable broth for a meat-free version. You can even add some nutritional yeast for a deeper flavor.
How Do I Sauté Vegetables for Maximum Flavor?
Sautéing is key for building flavor in this soup. When you sauté vegetables in oil, you enhance their sweetness and create a base for your soup. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Start with medium heat. If it’s too low, they’ll steam instead of sauté; too high, they might burn.
- Use a large pot to allow space for even cooking.
- Add onions first, cooking until they’re soft. Then add garlic and ginger quickly, as they can burn easily.
- Don’t rush! Patience during sautéing makes a big difference in flavor development.
Following these tips will help your turmeric chicken soup turn out extra tasty and full of rich flavors!
Anti Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon ground turmeric (or fresh turmeric root minced)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, to taste)
For the Vegetables:
- 3 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped cauliflower or cabbage (optional)
For the Soup:
- 4 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 6 cups chicken broth (preferably homemade or low sodium)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon or lime
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 scallions or green onions, sliced thinly
- Optional garnish: additional chili flakes or fresh cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 25 minutes to cook. So in total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes to make this nourishing dish. It’s quick, easy, and packed with goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil or coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté it until it becomes translucent and soft, which should take about 4-5 minutes. This is the base of your flavor!
2. Adding Garlic and Ginger:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant. This will bring lovely aromatic qualities to your soup.
3. Toasting the Spices:
Now, it’s time to add the ground turmeric, ground cumin, and optional chili flakes. Toast the spices in the pot for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to release their wonderful aromas.
4. Pouring in the Broth:
Carefully pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. This will form the delicious broth of your soup.
5. Adding the Vegetables:
Once simmering, add the diced carrots, chopped celery, and optional chopped cauliflower or cabbage. Let these simmer away for about 10-15 minutes until the veggies are tender but still vibrant.
6. Incorporating the Chicken:
Stir in the cooked shredded chicken, allowing it to heat through, which should take around 3-5 minutes. This will ensure your chicken is warm and juicy!
7. Seasoning the Soup:
Taste your soup and season it generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
8. Adding the Freshness:
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh lemon or lime juice. This adds a bright zing to the soup!
9. Serving:
Carefully ladle the soup into bowls. Don’t forget to sprinkle top with freshly chopped parsley and sliced scallions; you can also add a pinch of chili flakes or fresh cilantro for flavor and color!
10. Enjoying the Meal:
Serve the soup warm, alongside some crusty bread or on its own for a wholesome and nourishing meal that’s great for your body!
This vibrant, golden-hued soup features tender chicken with a flavorful broth highlighted by turmeric’s natural anti-inflammatory properties, complemented by fresh herbs and veggies. It’s perfect for immune support and cozy comfort!
Can I Use Fresh Turmeric Instead of Ground?
Absolutely! If you have fresh turmeric root, use about 1 tablespoon, finely minced. Fresh turmeric has a slightly different flavor profile and can give a vibrant freshness to your soup.
How Can I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months—just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container!
What Can I Substitute for Chicken to Make This Vegetarian?
If you want to go vegetarian, you can replace the cooked chicken with canned chickpeas or cooked lentils for added protein. Additionally, sautéed mushrooms will add a hearty texture, and you can replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
How Can I Make This Soup Spicier?
If you enjoy a kick, increase the chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce when serving. You could also include sliced fresh chili peppers while sautéing the onions for an extra heat boost from the start!
