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
- 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
Love it! So healing and healthy. I added 2 carrots, oyster mushrooms and one Thai chili pepper. 🌶
Perfect Rachel!
Thank you!
So maybe it’s in my head but I feel better already after eating this!! I was looking for a soup other than chicken noodle to help get over a cold. This soup is so tasty, the only thing is I didn’t realize it was spicy, I doubled the recipe and I personally love the spice but my kids couldn’t eat it and that was a bummer, but next time I know to cut out the cayenne pepper and maybe less cumin? Anyways, I look forward to eating the rest of it. I made it with chickpeas, kale and rice noodles, garnished with cilantro….my mouth is watering as I type this out, I may go have another bowl right now.
Im so glad you liked this. Turmeric, for me is like taking Advil! Soothes my muscle aches and headaches. Even cramps! Kind of miraculous.
The story about your father had me welling up, thank you for sharing and for singing. I also cannot wait to try the soup, it looks amazing.
This soup is amazing and even better the next day. It will be a staple in my house as we are trying to clean up our diet.
Thanks, Nancy I’m so glad you liked it.
Hi, Ms. Sylvia, I awoke from a nap and knew I needed to clean my frig, nourish my body, and cleanse it. I have been on Antibiotics for a week, not my favorite. I got an infection in my tooth gum area, need to have 9 pulled.
I pretty healthy otherwise, no toxic meds, no high BP, no cholesterol Issues, Heart is good, etc. I do have a fatty Liver issue, been through some serious Stress in the last decade! Weight gain too, sigh.
However, being resourceful I thought about making Turmeric Soup, as I laid there slowly coming into fully Awake. I mused that I could use up my leftovers in the frig, I had stock and cooked garbanzo beans on the stove. Now it is August here, so things need to be handled with the heat even in A.C. conditions. So I searched and voila, there was you, your recipe, story about your Dad, (lost mine at age 60, 52 years ago).
Back to the Recipe, I have: leftover brown rice, 1/2 c. cooked, stock on stove, garbanzo beans, ditto. I have Spinach, carrots, celery, green onions, yellow onion, 2 cloves of garlic – need to get some good Gilroy soon, only powered turmeric, cumin, Arugula, and EVOO.. Plus, Lemons & Limes.
Your recipe sounds perfect. One day I will learn how to Meditate. Thank you for the delicious recipe, I can tell it will be all that and more.
Namaste, Trudy
I love your story—love that you sing to your father! I will also try your soup, it looks delicious. Thanks for this recipe and the heartwarming tale to go with it.
I am so happy to have come across your blog and have just tried this recipe!!!!! Turmeric has become a staple in my diet for the health properties it has. The flavor of the broth is amazing even with just ground ginger and turmeric. I have been searching for whole food clean recipe’s to liven up my meal time. My 20 year old son loved the broth as well. Thank you.
Awesome!Great to hear…thanks!
Delicious! I just whipped this up for my sick husband. Its a bit spicy to me but that’s probably good for the sinuses. 🙂 I just added rice and lentils. Thank you.
Includes 2 slices whole grain bread.
Would the tumeric broth be better with a chicken bone broth?
I do like it best with chicken bone broth.:)
This is a Wonderful Basic Stock!!!
I used home made Chicken Bone Broth for the stock?
Sylvia this is such a sweet post! I love your story about singing to your dad. You always have a way of bringing so much sweetness to everyone around you. Please make more videos! You are darling and it’s fun to see you make the recipe! XO love you
Thanks Neicy! Appreciate you. xoxo
Fiz e amei. Gosto de temperos diferentes, sabores fortes e refeições que tragam saciedade, benefícios.pro corpo e pra alma,.além de serem reconfortantes.
Translation “I did and I loved it. I like different spices, strong flavors and meals that bring satiety, benefits.pro body and soul, .and be comforting.” Thanks Marcia!~
EXCELLENT! Saw this in the morning, made it for lunch. We added chicken and fresh ginger!!
Love it Thanks!!!
Hi! I stumbled across your site and all of the recipes look delicious. I have a sick child at home and made this detox soup. To my surprise, everyone really liked it – even the picky 6 yr old – but we all had the same comment. There was an aftertaste that was sort of earthy and almost numbed the tongue. I used fresh turmeric and some turmeric powder as you suggested. I couldn’t tell in your instructions when to put the fresh turmeric in. I added it with the garlic. Maybe I didn’t cook it long enough? Or put it in the at the wrong time? Apart from that, we loved it! My version had farro, lentils, chickpeas, celery, carrots, kale (but the taste I mentioned was in the stock before adding these things). Thank you for posting.
Hi Nancy, Im so glad you enjoyed the soup. Yes, I need to adjust the recipe, to make it more clear to sauté it a bit, to help take the bitterness out. Also, it may be an acquired taste? I will ad some nots and thanks for pointing this out!
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The turmeric broth is divine! My family loved the spices; I love the flexibility of this recipe! Thanks for all of the options as well.
I just made this soup for the first time. Fabulous! I used carrot, chick peas, tofu, linguini and parsley. Can’t wait to try more combinations. Thank you for a wonderful recipe!
I am home sick with a sinus infection. I make a lot of soups and wanted to try something different. I googled ginger and turmeric soup recipes knowing these 2 ingredients are anti-inflammatory and would be helpful to my condition. I love this soup….even though I made it a little different. First I sauteed shiitake and maitake mushrooms in basil olive oil along with turmeric and fresh ginger then added carrots. I added this to a pot of water that had been heating with lots of ginger. Next I sauteed mustard greens and added them to the broth. After these ingredients cooked for a little while, I added a carton of cooked organic cannellini beans and a turmeric spice blend.. In my bowl, I added fresh lemon, cilantro, pressed raw garlic and a little salt. I added some rice noodle but then removed them feeling like it was not necessary and a little too much. I like this particular soup as a broth. Thanks so much for your recipe and your inspiration. It was a blessing coming across your recipe. I signed up to receive your recipes. I like the beautiful, clear illustrations and instructions. I like everything about your pages. Live well and be healthy. Thank you.
Awwww, thanks so much and appreciate you sharing your adaptions. Feel better soon!
I shared this on FB as It was so great and about 10 of my friends have also made the recipe and are In love with It so bravo!
Me and my fiance loved It and It pulled us out of our post nye festivity slump!
I see It being a household staple for years to come, thankyou!
Darren and jonas x
Awww…. thanks so much! Really appreciate you sharing with your friends. So kind!
Delicious and nourishing. Super easy too!
omg this was the tastiest most nourishing thing EVER, THANKYOU
With a tear in my eye…..I can’t wait to try this, but I have no clue as to which group I want to add??? The noodles look good?!?
So tasty! I made the chickpea cauliflower kale version but instead of noodles I added extra kale and cauliflower, as well and a chopped bulb of fennel. So delicious with all the fresh ingredients!
Sounds delicious Kristin! Love the addition of fennel! Great idea.
Hello. I did a search for turmeric soup for healing/detox. I love your singing story. It heals the soul. Amen
I think it does heal the soul. To the singer, to the listener both.