Turmeric Chicken Soup (Printable Version)

Golden, fragrant chicken soup with turmeric, vegetables, and warming spices for nourishing comfort.

# Needed Ingredients:

→ Poultry

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 oz), diced

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
04 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
05 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated
07 - 1 small zucchini, diced
08 - 3.5 oz baby spinach (about 2 cups, packed)

→ Spices and Seasonings

09 - 1½ teaspoons ground turmeric
10 - ½ teaspoon ground cumin
11 - ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
12 - ½ teaspoon chili flakes, optional
13 - 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste

→ Liquids and Oils

14 - 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
15 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
16 - Juice of ½ lemon

→ Herbs

17 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped for garnish

# Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in the garlic, ginger, turmeric, cumin, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add the diced chicken and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the pieces turn opaque.
04 - Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
05 - Add zucchini and simmer for another 5 minutes.
06 - Stir in spinach and cook for 2 more minutes until wilted. Squeeze in lemon juice and season with salt and chili flakes if using.
07 - Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The vibrant yellow hue from the turmeric transforms an ordinary chicken soup into something that feels like sunshine in a bowl, even on the gloomiest days.
  • Every ingredient plays double-duty as both flavor enhancer and wellness booster, so you can actually feel good about going back for seconds.
02 -
  • The first time I made this, I added the turmeric directly to the broth and wondered why the flavor seemed flat - I learned it needs to bloom in oil with the other spices to release its full potential.
  • If your soup looks too thick after simmering, adding a splash more broth or even water won't dilute the flavor since youve built such a strong base.
03 -
  • If turmeric stains your wooden spoon or cutting board, leave it in direct sunlight for a few hours - the UV rays naturally fade the color without harsh chemicals.
  • Make a batch of this soup with extra ginger and freeze it in small portions as your secret weapon against the first sign of seasonal sniffles.
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