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
I came to your site because my daughter is currently having problems with her stomach so I thought a detox would help her. So here I am; I have finished making the detox and gave it to my daughter and she simply loved it! To the point that I intend on making it again tomorrow but this time, I will add lentils.
When I looked at this I just jumped to the recipe and began straight away. It’s only after eating that I read your article and saw your comments on your ‘what is my purpose’ and I thought wow, as I’ve just completed Vedic Meditation course and your question was the key reason why I took up the course in the first place.
You singing to your father contributes to a number of things that makes up your purpose: to help and provide support to those who may want it. For myself, I have been told that my role is to also help, through communication. It would be great if, through writing up recipes, that you can also let us know how you are getting on.
Take care.
Maggie
Thanks Maggie, really appreciate this!
This is so nice!! My husband and I both love it.
Hi Sylvia. I tried the Middle Eastern versión of this soup and it has little/no taste…this is clearly a user error…any thoughts on how to fix this? Thank you
Hi Laura, you just need to adjust or add salt and lime. Especially when using dry rice or dry lentils, they tend to soak up a lot of the salt from the broth, leaving it bland.
Love this base broth!!
Hello, I am currently recovering from acute pancreatitis. I was in ICU for 7 days. Which sucked every bit of strength in my body. I’ve been researching good soups and foods to eat help heal my pancreas since there is no cure for it. I feel that these differents soups and the broth will help tremendously. I bought all the ingredients for this soup/broth. Is the broth the main dish and the rest of the other soup recipes are suggestions that can be added to the broth? Thank you
Yes, the broth is the soup base and you can add to it what you like. I offer up a few of my favorite suggestions. 🙂
I’m so sorry to hear this and wishing you a speedy recovery!
I made this soup yesterday, but made a few changes. I added Quinoa noodles and added some fresh cilantro when serving. It was delicious and I’m sure it helped me ‘kick’ my cold that was trying to take hold. Woot! Woot!
Thanks Tammy, love your additions and glad you enjoyed it.
I love this recipe… it is soothing and definitely has a learning cure. I added carrots, cauliflower and Swiss chard (I had some in the fridge) rice noodles, then topped with green onion and cilantro. I have been moving into a more Ayurvedic diet andI love all your recipes; they are soothing to make, to read about, and to eat. I feel clean and proud! Thanks for sharing your stories and your brilliance in the kitchen.
This recipe is great. I didn’t use any meat but added kelp noodles, spinach, sesame seeds, and a single green chili. Turned out really good. Saving this one to my list. Also, I just want to add, that I found this recipe when i was looking for something I could make for my dad at lunch. He has a lot of health issues which I have been trying to help him through, and I just couldn’t believe when I saw your story about your father. Talk about strange coincidences. It was just a great reminder of my purpose here as his child and it really hit home. I didn’t argue one bit when he complained about having no meat, lol. Just really savored the moment of us being together, enjoying good food. So thank you for that as well as sharing this fantastic recipe.
You are so welcome Tori. And thanks for sharing about your dad. It warmed my heart deeply that you were able to just be with him and savor your time with him. Thanks so much for telling me this, somehow this brings me a lot of comfort. And I’m discovering lately….I believe less and less in coincidence. 🙂 Sending love your way.
s.
Wonderful I can’t stop eating it my new favorite. THANK YOU
Love your story! Can’t wait to try your soup.❤️
Five stars! This is definitely one of my all time faves! The have made it dozens of times and it always is a warm, satisfying pleasure.
Your story about your father is really touching. Keep writing AND singing. ?
Thanks Lyneah, appreciate you. xo
Wow! I am in love with this broth! Didnt really change much and used fresh tumeric. My add ins were portabella mushrooms, bean sprouts, bok choy and soba noodles! I thought it was fantastic! Will keep this one in my file… your site is great! My compassion to you and your dad if im correct. Going through the same thing with my mom and its so hard…. sending love and prayers your way!
Im so glad you liked it Karen!!Thanks for your kind words. Hang in there with your mama. Hard seeing parents go through this….
I’ve never in my life seen so many comments on life and food all together. Your soup and your story is truly food for the soul.
Thank you for your recipe and your story.
Xoxo
Thanks Lauren, appreciate your comment. 🙂
Hi Sylvia,
Made this for dinner and it was wonderful. However this morning I woke up with a raging fever and muscle aches + tummy cramps. Is this something that could happen with a ‘detox’ or do you think it was entirely conincidental ?
I’m so sorry to hear that! I’m pretty sure it’s coincidental! I hope you feel better soon.
This recipe had so much flavor & was very good!
Thanks so much, glad you liked it Jen!
Dear,
Loved your recipe of the turmeric brothdetox soup! Good remembering turmeric was a must for me when doing ayurvedic medicine.
But most of all loved you shared this story about you and your dad. I know what you’re talking about. I’ve first lost my Dad who suffered from dementia the last years and lost my mom 3 years ago who suffered fron artrosis. Miss them a lot.
. Keep on singing , keep enjoying every small and precious moment.
Iam a singer too and been giving lessons for nearly 40 years now.
Than you for sharing.
Love
Alejandra
PD: 2 MONTH WITHOUT SMOKING !!!!
Fantastic, cannot stop telling people about it
Mine was almost a brownish yellow color and seemed to have a lot of either the spice or something that would sink to the bottom. What did I do wrong?
Hummmm, not sure what could of happened. Did you use fresh or ground turmeric?
Hi Sylvia,
I made this today with a few changes since I needed to use what I had in stock.
I’m no chef but I love this soup. I will also be using it as a detox for inflammation. I have neuropathy from back surgery plus fusion and cage for stability.
Ok, no pity please after I read what you wrote about your father. It was real and very touching. You are a wonderful daughter to SING.
I made the broth just like you did. I used chick peas for protein, whole wheat angel hair pasta for my starch, sage for my herb & watercress for greens. I thought it was delish. Mine was a bit spicy since I like cayenne pepper. ?
I created a new board on Pinterest starting with YOUR delicious recipes. I can substitute with tofu/beans in place of chicken or seafood since I don’t eat meat.
Thank you so much for posting!
CHEERS for a blessed year!
Just love this recipe. It has become my daily soup for my lunch away from home.
Mahalo nui loa
This was just phenomenal. So full of flavor and can be adapted based on whats in your fridge. I loaded mine with fresh herbs, cauliflower, and black beans.
I’m so glad you adapted and enjoyed it!!!
I ate 3 large bowls of this after making. It was delicious! After the broth I added lime juice (I keep a few ice cube trays of frozen limes and lemons in a bag in the freezer), small chopped carrots and yam and red lentils, simmered about 20 minutes and then added some precooked black rice leftovers for a hearty crunch, some julienned lacinato kale and some brown rice ramen noodles, simmered for another few minutes then served adding salt, lime juice and fresh cilantro to the bowl. I also felt there was plenty of heat from just adding 1/16 tsp of cayenne. I just found this website. This is the first recipe I tried and I’m drooling over the others. I plan on living by this blog.
forgot to rate it
making something very similiar to this. i like idea of making the basic stock and then making it your own. I used lots of tumeric but i also used lots of curry as well….which is a mixture of spices…..making large pot of soup tonite. I put spaghetti squash in it instead of rice or noodles and it is sooooo good. also added some thyme and some white wine and a good half lemon juice. and then i added whatever else i had in fridge like carrots and peas and leftover of chicken. ohhh and some mushrooms sooo good on a cold night.
Love that you used spaghetti squash Joy!
loved this recipe!