If you’re looking for a comforting, nutrient-packed dish that also supports your body’s natural anti-inflammatory processes, this one-pot veggie soup with turmeric is a perfect choice. Packed with vibrant vegetables, hearty lentils, and warming spices like turmeric and ginger, this soup is not only delicious but also incredibly nourishing.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
- Salt to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Method:
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.
- Add the Spices and Lentils:
- Sprinkle in the turmeric, ginger, cumin, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
- Add the rinsed lentils and mix everything together.
- Pour in the Broth and Tomatoes:
- Add the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Add the Greens:
- Stir in the chopped kale or spinach, allowing it to wilt into the soup.
- Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Finish with Lemon Juice:
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the lemon juice.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh cilantro or parsley.
- Enjoy this warming, anti-inflammatory soup as a nourishing meal on its own or with a side of whole-grain bread.
Benefits of This Soup:
- Turmeric: Known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is the star of this dish, helping to reduce inflammation in the body.
- Ginger: Like turmeric, ginger also has anti-inflammatory benefits and adds a warming, spicy note to the soup.
- Lentils: These legumes are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, which help support digestion and keep you full.
- Kale/Spinach: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, these greens add an extra nutritional boost to the soup.
This soup is not only easy to make but also perfect for meal prep. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Enjoy a bowl whenever you need a cozy, healthy meal that supports your body’s well-being!