Golden Turmeric Chicken Soup

Experience the ultimate comfort in a bowl with this Turmeric Chicken Soup. A golden, fragrant, and nourishing chicken soup infused with turmeric and warming spices, this dish is the perfect blend of wellness and flavor. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, this vibrant soup is ideal for boosting your body's defenses or simply providing a warm, soothing meal on a chilly day.

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This easy-to-make soup brings together the earthy notes of cumin and turmeric with the brightness of fresh lemon juice. In just under an hour, you can transform simple pantry staples and fresh produce into a masterpiece of global cuisine that is as visually stunning as it is delicious.

Ingredients

• Poultry: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 400 g), diced
• Vegetables: 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped), 2 medium carrots (peeled and sliced), 2 celery stalks (sliced), 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1-inch piece fresh ginger (peeled and grated), 1 small zucchini (diced), 100 g baby spinach (about 2 cups, packed)
• Spices & Seasonings: 1 ½ teaspoons ground turmeric, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional), 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus more to taste)
• Liquids: 1.2 liters (5 cups) low-sodium chicken broth, 1 tablespoon olive oil, Juice of ½ lemon
• Herbs: 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.

Step 2

Stir in the garlic, ginger, turmeric, cumin, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the diced chicken and cook for 2–3 minutes until the pieces turn opaque.

Step 4

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 5

Add zucchini and simmer for another 5 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in spinach and cook for 2 more minutes until wilted. Squeeze in lemon juice and season with salt (and chili flakes, if using).

Step 7

Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Handle turmeric with care as it can stain surfaces, towels, and wooden spoons. For the best flavor, ensure you use fresh ginger and garlic rather than powdered versions.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with canned chickpeas and use vegetable broth. If you want a heartier meal, you can stir in cooked rice or noodles at the end of the cooking process.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this soup piping hot with a side of crusty bread for dipping or a light side salad for a complete, well-rounded meal.

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Whether you are feeling under the weather or just looking for a healthy weeknight dinner, this Turmeric Chicken Soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the warming spices and the wholesome ingredients in every spoonful.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop and add a splash of broth if needed to adjust consistency.

→ Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless breasts?

Absolutely! Bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks add extra flavor. Increase cooking time to 25-30 minutes, then remove the chicken, shred the meat, discard bones, and return the meat to the pot.

→ What can I substitute for fresh turmeric?

Ground turmeric works perfectly and is what this version uses. If you have fresh turmeric root, use about 1 tablespoon grated. Fresh turmeric has a brighter, more peppery flavor than the ground version.

→ How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace the chicken with 1-2 cans of drained chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add the chickpeas during the last 10 minutes of simmering to heat through while maintaining their texture.

→ Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.

→ What other vegetables work well in this soup?

Sweet potatoes, bell peppers, kale, chard, or green beans all complement the turmeric beautifully. Add heartier vegetables like sweet potatoes earlier in the cooking process, and leafy greens toward the end.