Turmeric Broth Detox Soup– a naturally healing, soothing and comforting, Ayurvedic soup that is highly customizable to your needs. Vegan and GF adaptable, full of antioxidants. Video!
Love Turmeric? Check out our 10 Healing Turmeric Recipes (Plus Top Health Benefits)
Remember the pure open sky of your own true nature.
~Tibetan Book of the Great Liberation~
Happy New Year! Here’s a quick and healing recipe to help start off this beautiful New Year in a fresh and vibrant way – Turmeric Detox Broth! Healthy and cleansing, turmeric is soothing and healing, full of powerful antioxidants and inflammation fighters that aid and restore the liver, giving it a little help. The best part is… all the ways you can customize the broth! Watch the quick video to see my very favorite version!
Turmeric Broth Detox Soup! | 90-sec video
The Turmeric Detox Broth is a delicious base, or “jumping off point” to whichever direction you want to take this soup. Keep it vegan by adding noodles, greens and legumes, or add leftover chicken, rice and spinach. It’s pretty fool-proof once you have the nutritious fragrant broth made, which takes about 15- 20 minutes. When it is done, it’s rich and flavorful and just slightly spicy, which of course you can elevate or minimize. I always feel like I’m giving my body such a gift when I make this.
It’s perfect when feeling under the weather- soothes the tummy, clears the sinuses, helps with muscle aches and fatigue, and even soothes headaches!
Turmeric, whether it’s fresh or ground, seems to be what I turn to each New Year, to help restore myself. It’s used in Ayurveda to calm, soothe and basically aid the body in balancing and healing itself.
And maybe it’s because this is the time of year I want to put an end to all the indulging from the holidays and do something good and healthy for my body. This may not be right for everyone, but I like do this Simple 7 Day Clean Eating Plan to help myself get back the right track. If you are interested in doing it or knowing more about it…. it just sign up below the post.
Make the fragrant detoxing Turmeric broth, then make the soup your own. This one meal can easily be made in 30 minutes or less!
Today I felt like slurping so I added rice noodles, chickpeas and kale.
Last week (above) I added lentils, basmati rice and chickpeas….a sort of “Middle Eastern Minestrone” ( see below). The time before that I added leftover Thanksgiving turkey, dill and quinoa, and before that, I dropped some orzo and little meatballs into the flavorful broth until they began to float.
Seriously, it’s pretty hard to mess this up.
Go through your fridge and cupboards and use what you have. Use leftovers. If you have dry beans, pre-soak them over night for faster cooking and easier digestibility.
To keep the soup brothy take care not to add too much pasta, beans or rice or other things that swell, or you will end up with a stew vs. soup – which is not necessarily a bad thing. Also be mindful of cooking times. For example, basmati rice and small lentils cook at about the same rate. But pasta and un-soaked dried chickpeas do not. So be sensible and thoughtful about this and you won’t go wrong.
How to make Turmeric Broth
Step One: It starts with a large, heavy-bottomed dutch oven or pot to make the Turmeric Detox Broth. Saute onion, ginger and garlic and turmeric (either freshly grated turmeric or ground turmeric ) – I like to use both!
Step Two: Add the rest of the spices, salt, veggie broth or chicken stock, water, and lemon or lime.
Step three: Bring to a simmer for a few minutes- and it’s done! Taste and adjust salt. If it’s too salty, add a little water to dilute.
At this point, you will have a delicious tasting broth- a great base for your own creations.
Now it’s time to have fun.
What to add to Turmeric Broth
Protein: Add pre-soaked (or canned)chickpeas, beans or lentils. Or use another form of protein like cooked chicken, turkey, or meatballs.
Starch: noodles, rice, quinoa, or potatoes!
Greens: add herbs or greens! I find that parsley, cilantro, mint and dill all work well with turmeric, but be playful and try something new if you want. Finish the soup with a handful of spinach, or other greens to bump up the nutrients.
I love adding extra -antioxidants and nutrients- a couple of handfuls of chopped spinach, beet greens, chard, arugula or kale or other veggies like shredded brussel sprouts, or cauliflower!
More Turmeric Recipes you may like:
- 10 Turmeric Benefits & Recipes!
- How to make Turmeric Sauerkraut
- Turmeric Curry Tofu with Coconut and Shiitakes
- Glowing Carrot Turmeric Soup
- Ayurvedic Detox Turmeric Tea (a daily drink)
- Turmeric Tonic!
More recipes you may like:
- 10 Healing Turmeric Recipes (Plus Top Health Benefits)
- Coconut Curry Tofu with Turmeric & Shiitakes
- Ayurvedic Detox Turmeric Tea (a daily drink)
- Turmeric Golden Root Juice
- TURMERIC FRUIT SALAD WITH TOASTED COCONUT
- Roasted Cauliflower Farro Salad with Turmeric Dressing
On the homefront: As this New Year begins, I find myself asking the serious questions again. 😉
What am I here to learn? What is my “purpose?” What am I here to do? A few years back, while being led in a meditation, I was directed to ask my “deepest self” these questions. One word came to the surface. I actually gasped because it seemed so ridiculous. SING? My first thought was…I don’t sing! That can’t be right. But it was clear as a bell.
And then I conveniently forgot all about it. 🙂 Haha!
Until recently, when a strange thing happened. My elderly father fell and broke his hip. He also has dementia and the combination has been tragic. Before the broken hip, even though he lost his memory, he was relatively “stable” – content and at peace.
His memory loss changed him into this sweet, childlike being, dissolving away his “dark side”, and for the past 6 or 7 years, we’ve spent time together, allowing me the opportunity to work out all my “issues” with him. It actually has been a very healing experience.
But after the hip surgery, everything changed. There are days when he became really miserable. Inconsolable. Depressed. Ready to leave this world. And in these moments, I feel so helpless! It’s so hard seeing someone you love suffer when nothing helps.
So out of pure desperation, I began to sing to him. My voice shaky, timing off, notes blurred, words often made up, but somehow….it soothed him. It soothed both of us.
I still don’t know what my purpose is. Or what I’m supposed to learn. Or what it is that I’m supposed to do here in this life. Maybe it’s as simple as just being with the suffering of another human being, and singing when words no longer have meaning.
Wow, this is depressing! Sorry. How do I segue way into wishing you all a Happy New Year?
It’s life I guess, real.
Cheers and Love,
xoxo
PS for the rest of the story about my dad… go here.
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Turmeric Broth Detox Soup
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Vegan, Soup, detox, Gluten Free
- Method: Stove top
- Cuisine: Soup
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Turmeric Broth Detox Soup – a naturally healing, soothing and comforting, Ayurvedic soup that is very customizable to your needs. Vegan and GF adaptable!
Ingredients
Turmeric Broth
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil ( or ghee)
- 1 onion- diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated or finely minced
- 4–5 garlic cloves- grated or finely minced
- 1–2 teaspoons turmeric powder (or 2–3 teaspoons fresh turmeric, finely grated – or a little of both, see notes)
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard seed (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 3/4 – 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups water
- 4 cups veggie broth or chicken stock
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, or more to taste
- Squeeze of lime juice or lemon juice ( to taste) or 1-2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar ( to taste)
Optional additions: veggies, beans or legumes, greens, noodles, whole grains, rice, crispy tofu, shredded chicken, etc.
Variations:
Middle Eastern “Minestrone”
- 1/2 cup basmati rice (dry) or pasta, quinoa (or 1 1/2 cup cooked)
- 1/2 cup little dry lentils (or 1 cup cooked)
- 1 cup cooked garbanzo beans (or canned, drained)
- 1 can diced fire-roasted tomatoes ( or use 1–2 cups fresh, diced tomatoes)
- season with lime and salt to taste, a drizzle of olive oil and fresh cilantro leaves
Chickpea Cauliflower Kale Noodle (photo in post)
- 1– 2 cups cooked chickpeas (or chicken)
- 4 ounces dry noodles ( rice noodles are good)
- 1–2 cups chopped cauliflower ( optional)
- 2 large handfuls chopped kale
- squeeze of lime
Garnish with fresh herbs: cilantro, parsley, scallions, dill,
Serve with lime and drizzle of olive oil. For extra richness feel free to add coconut milk.
Instructions
- In a large heavy bottom pot or dutch oven, saute onion in 1-2 T olive oil over medium heat for 5 minutes until fragrant and golden. Add ginger, garlic, and fresh turmeric and saute 2-3 minutes until eh garlic is fragrant and golden. Add the mustard seeds, cumin, coriander, and optional turmeric power and saute 1-2 more minutes.
- Add water, stock and salt. Bring to a simmer. Add vinegar or citrus. (I like a squeeze of lime) Taste. Adjust salt, lime and spice level to your liking. At this point you will have a flavorful base to add what you like. You can also refrigerate or freeze this in batches for later use.
- Remember uncooked pasta and beans will double or triple in size, so add moderately ( 4 ounces dry pasta)
- Remember to think and be sensible about cooking times for each ingredient you add. (see notes in post )
Notes
NOTES: If you are cooking the broth for any length of time, uncovered, remember it will reduce –intensifying the flavor and salt –so you may need to add more water, to dilute the intensity. Dilute the broth to your own taste.
- Using ground turmeric gives the soup this lighter golden color you see in the photographs. Fresh grated turmeric gives the broth a deeper color, but incredible flavor. Often I’ll use a little of both (because I like color AND flavor!). Up to you. 😉 If you are new to turmeric, start conservatively, it has a very distinct flavor, that may be an acquired taste for some.
- A small drizzle of olive oil ( melted ghee or coconut oil) over the soup helps the nutrients in turmeric to bind and more easily absorb into the body. You can also add coconut milk for a creamy version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: With 1 ½ cups chickpeas and 6 ounces linguini
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 557.8 mg
- Fat: 4.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 38.6 g
- Fiber: 5.2 g
- Protein: 8.2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Just made the cauliflower chickpea kale version without noodles. Really happy with the flavor. Really comforting and flavorful without being too rich.
Oh good! Happy you enjoyed it- yes, very soothing and comforting.
I also found that ushering my parents through illness and dementia aroused a new sense of uncertainty about this human thing. Before that, activities made sense within the context of the life they filled (and, I was a meditator); afterwards, it seems that nothing is taken for granted, which takes some of the shine off. I think it’s just part of the natural progression. Thanks for the yummy recipe!
Brin, SO well put. Thanks for this. Happy you are here.
Recipe looks great, but fyi “detoxing” is a load of unscientific bullshit.
Perhaps. There are many things we choose to believe that are “unscientific” – that do make us feel better. 😉
I have made this recipe at least twice a month for the past several months and absolutely love it. The broth is absolutely delicious and I wouldn’t change a thing! So comforting and perfect for an upset stomach. Thank you thank you thank you!
So happy you are enjoying and finding it nurturing Sofia- thanks for the comment!
Thank you for sharing. My Dad died of complications caused by dementia. It is difficult. God bless you for honoring your parents with care. Mom lived with us for 5 years before passing last year. It is definitely a growing experience.
Sorry to hear about loosing your parents, so hard. Yes, a growing experience for sure.
Thank you so much for the wonderful recipes and the inspiration. Mostly, I want to offer you blessings and encouragement in the illness of your dad. Singing is a huge blessing to sick loved ones – young and old alike. I started doing this with my maternal grandmother and continued through Mother’s oldest sister, my mother, my dad, my husband’s aunt and now I sing WITH my husband’s mother and look to singing to her through her dementia to the last if I make it. May God bless and keep you forever in His peace!
Thank you so much Laura. The world is a better place with you here… all the best to you.
Dear Sarah,
I cook indian food all the time as I am indian, and I followed this recipe to a T! The basic Broth recipe, however I found the flavor to be extremely bland and not comforting at all, the ginger and garlic seemed too strong, I was so hopeful and I absolutely adore your recipes, so my comments are nothing to do with the recipe, but I wondered if I may ask, do you know where I may have gone wrong? the only thing I did not have was chipotle powder, I cooked it exactly and the ginger was too bitty and the garlic and it tasted bitter. It looked sooo delicious. Any advice would be sincerely appreciated, I froze it and put it in the freezer.
Warm regards and thank you for such an amazing website.
Hi Lilly, thank you, I appreciate your honest feedback ….and I’m sorry you did not enjoy it. I don’t think you did anything “wrong”….perhaps it’s just not for everyone. I really like it, but we all have such different taste preferences. Its so subjective. It’s really not an Indian recipe, so maybe that’s the difference for you? Im not sure. In any case, I’m glad you wrote, thanks for being here and hope you continue to give your feedback. 🙂
I am excited to make this recipe but have a question about the spices
1 tsp cumin : seed or powder?
mustard seed: insert whole or crushed?
1 tsp coriander: again seed or powder?
Thank you
I use seeds. You could crush lightly for extra flavor fi you want
Thank you
This recipe makes me want to give you a million dollars. It is absolutely perfect. Nourishing, healthy and delicious. I made it with basmati rice, chickpeas, spinach and cilantro. My nourished tummy, heart and soul say THANK YOU!!!
Hahaha….this the best comment ever! thanks for making me smile today and so happy you like it ?
This recipe was AMAZING! Subbed vermicelli as noodles, chick peas were yum, and same with Kale!
Wow! This was as simple and delicious as promised. I followed the recipe to a tee and did the chickpea/cauliflower version. This will definitely become a regular in our house!
What I got from all that was a kind of beauty in the wake of heartache—it takes a while to accept that the little you can do is all you can do. That simple and kind gesture is love. Wishing you well.
I just came across this site and fell in love with it. I am so inspired by your dishes. I’m actually devouring this detox soup while writing this. Who’d have thought that a soup with detox and turmeric as a moniker would be insatiably delicious? I ran 16 km with this soup as my reward!
Thank you Gina, appreciate your kind words. And very happy you like the soup and the site. All the best to you.
Hi Sylvia (and Gina) – Just chiming in to say:
1) I received my James Hollis book from the library, with another of his on its way – thank you for the recommendation. So looking forward to a nice, ‘deep’ read from a Jungian analyst (no wonder your posts are so thoughtful Sylvia 😉 ).
2) I just tried the ‘magical green’ cilantro broth the other night. Man oh man, don’t know which I like best … Tumeric or cilantro based? Both are so delicious, and I too just love how you make recommendations for alternative ingredients. I hope to make the cilantro soup (soon) with chickpeas and chicken (made with seafood first time – as per recipe suggestions). Thank you for all your shared ‘goodness’. LOVE your site!
Thanks so much Heather! I hope you like the book as much as I have and thanks for all your positive feedback, I appreciate it so much!
I can’t wait to try this broth. I think I will drink it in the morning instead of tea. I have a suggestion though, if you want to make it into a soup precook the rice and beans and just add them to a bowl of hot broth. It is the same thing it just will prevent the soup from thickening.
hi. I found your blog because of a buzz feed list of soups that will heal you or something. I clicked on yours because I love turmeric but I was very taken by your story of your father. But here’s the thing as I am reading what you heard in meditation I was very curious as to what you heard so I read on. Before I got to your revelation of singing I felt this voice inside of me say “love”. So when I read how you used your singing to help your ill father I thought – that IS love. But here is the other thing . Yesterday I was in my own meditation I teach a hybrid yoga/pilates/taichi class at my gym. I was in relaxation and I heard the name Sylvia come to my mind. That is the name of my grandmother but apparently it’s your name too.
I believe our biggest “purpose” in life is to Love. If you love people you will be successful. I believe that your self-less singing to your dad is true pure love. And although you have had your struggles with that relationship you are able to find healing while you comfort him. Blessings to you on this journey- I hope you will continue to love and be loved. Thank you for your blog. I am not sure how everything connects in this world but I do believe I was supposed to read your blog this morning. Thank you.
And I believe I was supposed to read your comment this morning. 😉 Thank you so much for this. And love to you.
Beautiful and inspiring posts! Thanks for sharing – hope you both have a great week, month … year/s! 🙂 ox
thank you Heather!!
Thank you!
Hello Sylvia,
I just made (and devoured) your turmeric broth detox soup. I used the last mason jar of my homemade bone broth, so there was a taste of “Pho” in my version. We loved this soup and will put the recipe on “repeat” throughout the winter!
Feelin’ healthier already — Thanks to you!
Michael
Gex, France
Love it…thanks!!
Hi Sylvia, This is a fabulous soup. I’ve made a big batch of the broth, and have been living off of it all week. I love how you suggest all the various options. I tried your noodle and kale version, and posted the photo on IG. It got so many responses, especially about the happy colour. I’ve been using turmeric for years, but your’s is the first recipe that features turmeric as central to a broth. Thanks! Some have asked for the recipe, so while I will be posting it on my blog, I am giving you full credit as the creator of it.
Thanks Jennifer…glad you like it and are sharing it, and thanks for including the link.:)
This soup sounds amazing and looks delicious!
I cannot wait to try this versatile broth, after thoroughly enjoying the detox tea you shared, also using tumeric.
Your story was very touching & heart warming – I wish you both well on your journey x
Thank you Emily- appreciate your kind words. xo
Hi I love your posts they are so candid!
Thank you Jenny, perhaps too much so. Appreciate it though. 😉
Happy New year Sylvia. I know you are going through a difficult time and it can’t be easy, and I can relate to your questions. Hang in there, and enjoy the moments and times with your dad, as I am sure you do.
Life has so many ups and downs, and one thing I know I never ever considered was my parents getting old and ill…it is just something I never thought of, so when it happens, it is hard, and I truly feel for you and what you are going through.
Your Turmeric Broth sounds absolutely amazing, and I cannot wait to try it. So nice and versatile, thank you.
Thank you Lynne, appreciate your kind words. Happy New Year to you too!!!
I made this yesterday–used your chickpea cauliflower version–and it was divine. Exactly what I needed and was craving. This broth will be a staple. Can’t wait to use it with lentils (my favorite food!).
Thank you for all your beautiful recipes. It seems to me your purpose is quite evident… Food is one of our connections to God and creation, I think. Whenever I cut open an avocado or papaya or whatever, I marvel at how perfect and gorgeous it is. And something like turmeric–kind of an ugly little thing on the outside–is such a vivid orange on the inside and so full of vital nutrients–it really is a joy to have these things in our lives each day. You have a tremendous gift.
You are nice. I love what you wrote….thank you Susanna, truly.
Happy New Year to you!!
What a beautiful recipe – and what beautiful honesty and openness. Thank you on all counts.
I am also taking this ride with my parents and doing my best to keep my sea legs. You and I, and so many here, are doing our best, trying to Be with our parents, giving them the gifts we have, as best we are able.
In this age of looking down versus looking out, of the individual versus the Village, connections like the ones with our families, with friends, and even, sometimes, with others online, can make all the difference.
Happiest of New Years to you.
Laura, thank you….and thanks for your beautiful words…very well said. We all have so much in common, we humans, in this business of living and dying. It is much easier with the support of friends and family, and I feel so blessed to have this piece in my life. Thanks again…. Happy New year to you too!
So sorry to hear about your Dad Sylvia. I hope that your singing soothes both of your souls.
Thanks Karen, it does help. Thanks for reading and Happy New year to you!
Wow – I am just getting ‘into’ turmeric and this recipe looks just PERFECT. Thank you so much – a great addition to help with the healthier eating plans. Plus, your ‘story’, STILL not knowing your purpose, is refreshing too. So many of us can relate 😉 . I appreciate your candor and don’t doubt that your singing has ever so helped to soothe your Dad. I hope I can manage to be as wonderful a daughter as my father ages with Alzheimer’s. Your post is beautiful in so many ways. Thank you again and Happy New Year to you as well 🙂 .
Thank you Heather, I appreciate your note. Yes, many of us are getting to the stage in life where we are experiencing the aging process with our parents. My heart goes out to you. So hard…. but yet beautiful at times. All the best to you this new year.
I just made this soup and I think I on the noodles in too soon because when I went to stir the soup I found a large clump, which I thought was cheese! However I didn’t add cheese. After stirring more they seemed to disappear.. Other than that very tasty!! Can’t wait to experiment more!
Sarah