Pin it Turmeric Chicken Soup is a golden, fragrant, and nourishing dish infused with turmeric and aromatic spices. Renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, this soothing soup is the ultimate choice for wellness and comfort, providing a perfect balance of flavor and health benefits.
Pin it This Global Fusion dish brings together tender chicken thighs or breasts with a vibrant medley of onions, carrots, and celery. The addition of fresh baby spinach and a bright splash of lemon juice at the end creates a refreshing yet deeply comforting bowl of soup that is as beautiful to look at as it is to eat.
Ingredients
- Poultry: 500 g (1.1 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Vegetables: 1 medium onion (finely chopped), 2 medium carrots (sliced), 2 celery stalks (sliced), 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1 piece (2.5 cm / 1 inch) fresh ginger (peeled and grated), 150 g (1 cup) baby spinach or kale leaves
- Broth & Liquids: 1.5 liters (6 cups) low-sodium chicken broth, 1 tbsp olive oil, Juice of 1 lemon
- Spices & Seasonings: 1½ tsp ground turmeric, ½ tsp ground cumin, ½ tsp ground black pepper, ½ tsp sea salt, ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Herbs: 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 2
- Add the garlic and ginger, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3
- Stir in the turmeric, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Cook for another 30 seconds, allowing the spices to bloom.
- Step 4
- Add the chicken pieces and sauté for 2–3 minutes until just opaque.
- Step 5
- Pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes.
- Step 6
- Add the spinach (or kale) and simmer for 5 more minutes until wilted and chicken is cooked through.
- Step 7
- Stir in the lemon juice and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 8
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve hot.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, ensure you allow the spices to bloom in the oil for the full 30 seconds; this activates the flavors of the turmeric and cumin. If you are using kale instead of spinach, you may want to add it a few minutes earlier to ensure it becomes sufficiently tender.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To make a heartier version of this soup, consider adding 100 g of cooked rice or quinoa during the final simmering stage. For a vegetarian alternative, substitute the chicken with a can of drained chickpeas and use a flavorful vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Serviervorschläge
This vibrant golden soup is best served steaming hot in large ceramic bowls. Pair it with a side of warm crusty bread for dipping or a light, crisp green salad to round out the meal for a complete wellness experience.
Pin it Enjoy this easy and nourishing Turmeric Chicken Soup as a comforting staple in your kitchen. With its simple preparation and powerful ingredients, it is a perfect dish to support your wellness goals while satisfying your cravings for a warm, homemade meal.
Recipe FAQ
- → What makes this soup golden?
The vibrant golden color comes from ground turmeric, which also provides natural anti-inflammatory benefits. The spice blooms in hot oil during cooking, releasing both its signature hue and earthy flavor throughout the broth.
- → Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely. This soup actually develops deeper flavors when made ahead. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. The turmeric may continue to deepen the color over time, which is completely natural.
- → What can I serve with this soup?
Warm crusty bread, naan, or crackers make excellent accompaniments. A simple side salad with citrus vinaigrette complements the warm spices. For a more substantial meal, add cooked rice or quinoa directly to the bowls before ladling the soup.
- → Is the soup spicy?
The soup has a gentle warmth from black pepper and optional red pepper flakes, but it's not spicy in the traditional sense. The focus is on aromatic warmth rather than heat. Adjust the red pepper flakes or omit them entirely based on your preference.
- → Can I make a vegetarian version?
Yes, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or white beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The turmeric and spices provide plenty of flavor, and the chickpeas add protein and texture while maintaining the satisfying heartiness of the dish.
- → Why add lemon at the end?
Fresh lemon juice brightens the entire bowl, balancing the earthy turmeric and warming spices with acidity. It also helps your body absorb the curcumin compounds in turmeric more effectively, while lifting all the flavors for a cleaner finish.