The Perfect Detox Soup
Whether you’re fighting off a cold or looking for a pre-new year cleanse, this soup is for you! I was inspired to create a recipe that gives your body the ‘feel good vibes’ based soley on ingredients that detoxify. It has quickly become a go-to comfort meal that I make when I’m craving a little extra something-something in the nutrients department after a fun filled weekend. It’s healthy, it’s hearty, and it’s delicious, so it checks all the boxes of a good Winter soup, if you ask me!
I call it a detox soup but let’s be clear — you can’t just eat a bowl of soup and expect for your whole body to be detoxed, even though I wish that was the case some days! Your body is ALWAYS detoxifying, this just gives it a boost. The best part is that you make the vegetable broth from scratch with real ingredients. No boxed broths or powders = clean and easy for your body to assimilate.
There are some key ingredients that are essential — like garlic (which reduces cold symptoms by about 70%), ginger (which helps with digestion and reduces bloating), and turmeric (a powerful antioxidant that fights inflammation) — but honestly, with a soup like this you can totally get creative and/or swap veggies with whatever you have in your fridge! In fact, I encourage you to do so.
AND, did I mention that this soup is soooo easy to make? So, what are you waiting for? Whip out the pot, get your veggies and cutting board ready, and let’s make some soup!!
INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon avocado or sunflower oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
4 carrots, chopped small (the size of your pinkie nail)
3 celery stalks, chopped
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 1 tablespoon fresh ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme (fresh rosemary if you have it growing in your yard)
6 cups water
1 cup dry red lentils
2 teaspoons fine Himalayan salt
freshly ground black pepper
1 cup fresh cilantro , chopped
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (or to taste)
OPTIONAL
1 C Broccoli*
1 1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric**
SIDE NOTES
*Cruciferous veggies are HIGH on the list of of detoxifiers however causes discomfort & bloat for some. You know your tummy best and the soup is perf either way!
**Turmeric adds a unique semi spicy ethnic taste and as I mentioned before; is an amazing anti inflammatory. If you’re not vibing that turmeric tongue punch, it’s also a great option to skip it and just take the supplement which makes the soup a bit more versatile.
PREPARATION
In a large pot, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add in the onion, carrots and celery and stir until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add in the garlic, ginger, turmeric, and thyme, and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Immediately add in the water to prevent garlic from burning.
Add in the lentils,1 teaspoon of salt, and a few shakes of black pepper. Bring the liquid to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover and let the soup cook until the lentils are tender, about 20 minutes. *If adding broccoli wait until the last 10ish minutes.
When everything is tender, add in the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt and lemon juice. Adjust any seasoning to taste, and serve warm with chopped cilantro and a thin sliced lemon if you want to be fancy.
Leftover detox soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.