Vibrant Detox Turmeric Lentil Soup

It’s been a long day, hasn’t it? Between school drop-offs, work deadlines, and after-school activities, finding time to nourish ourselves can feel impossible. That’s why I’m so excited to share my Detox Turmeric Lentil Soup – a flavorful, comforting, and incredibly easy recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in just about 45 minutes, this detox turmeric lentil soup is packed with nutrients and flavor, making it a delicious way to support your well-being.

Table of contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Detox Turmeric Lentil Soup

I know how precious your time is, and I wouldn’t share a recipe unless I truly believed it was worth it. This Detox Turmeric Lentil Soup is a winner, and here’s why:

• Quick Preparation: From start to finish, this soup is ready in under an hour, making it perfect for those busy evenings when you need a healthy meal fast.
• Flavorful Combination of Spices: The blend of turmeric, ginger, and cumin creates a warm and comforting flavor profile that will leave you feeling satisfied. If you enjoy cozy, plant-based meals, you might also love our Autumn-Spiced Roasted Pumpkin Soup.
• Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Packed with lentils, vegetables, and spices, this soup is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Gentle Support for Natural Detox Processes: This soup contains turmeric and other ingredients known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

What Does “Detox” Really Mean?

Let’s talk about the word “detox.” I’m not claiming that this soup is a magical potion that will rid your body of toxins overnight. Instead, I see this detox turmeric lentil soup as a delicious way to support your body’s natural detoxification processes. The nutrient-rich ingredients, like turmeric, lentils, and vegetables, provide the building blocks your body needs to function optimally. Turmeric, in particular, is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while lentils are a great source of fiber, which aids in digestion, and are a staple in many comforting meals, like our Hearty Chili with Lentils and Ground Beef. Together, they help support overall health and well-being.

Key Ingredients for This Detox Turmeric Lentil Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to create this vibrant and nourishing soup:

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil: A healthy fat to sauté our veggies.
• 1 cup chopped onion: Adds depth and sweetness.
• 1 cup chopped celery: Provides a savory note.
• 1 cup chopped turnip (or potato): Adds heartiness and texture.
• 2 1/2 cups chopped sweet potato: Contributes sweetness and vibrant color.
• 2 minced garlic cloves: Essential for flavor.
• 1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper: Not just for taste! The piperine in black pepper enhances the absorption of turmeric.
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme: Adds a touch of earthiness.
• 1 cup green (or brown lentils): A great source of protein and fiber.
• 1 cup red lentils: Cook quickly and add a creamy texture.
• 1 – 2 tablespoons turmeric (I like 2): The star of the show, offering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. I like to source mine from a local spice shop, or even a reputable online retailer.
• 1 teaspoon ginger: Adds warmth and spice.
• 1 teaspoon cumin: Provides a smoky, earthy flavor.
• 4 cups vegetable broth: The base of our soup, choose a low-sodium option if desired.
• 2 cups water: Helps to balance the flavors and consistency.
• 1 cup almond milk: Adds creaminess, but feel free to use any milk you prefer.
• 1 cup spinach: Adds a boost of vitamins and minerals. For a quick way to incorporate this leafy green, try our 5-Minute Spinach Smoothie.
• 1 cup fresh herbs (I like parsley): For freshness and flavor.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a touch of heat.

Equipment You’ll Need

To make this soup, you’ll need just a few essential pieces of equipment:

• Large stockpot or Dutch oven: A good quality stockpot, or dutch oven ensures even heat distribution. I’ve had great success with Le Creuset.
• Chopping board: For prepping your vegetables.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping easier and safer.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Detox Turmeric Lentil Soup

Ready to get cooking? Here’s how to make my Detox Turmeric Lentil Soup:

1. Heat the oil in a large stockpot or dutch oven. Add onions, celery, turnip, potato and garlic and saute for about 5 minutes until everything softens slightly. Season with salt, pepper and thyme and cook about 2 minutes.
2. Add lentils, turmeric, ginger and cumin and saute 1 – 2 minutes, then add the broth and water. Bring the soup to a boil, cover and reduce to simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in almond milk, spinach, herbs, lemon and pepper flakes until spinach has wilted. Serve immediately!

Clara’s Top Tips for the Best Detox Turmeric Lentil Soup

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this soup even better. Here are my top tips:

• Don’t skip the sautéing: Sautéing the vegetables and spices before adding the broth helps to develop the flavors and create a richer soup.
• Adjust the spices to your liking: Feel free to add more or less turmeric, ginger, or cumin to suit your taste.
• Use high-quality turmeric: The better the quality of your turmeric, the more flavorful and beneficial your soup will be.
• If your lentils are still hard after 40 minutes, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to help them break down.

Serving Suggestions

This Detox Turmeric Lentil Soup is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it a complete meal:

• Serve with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.
• Add a side salad for a light and refreshing contrast.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Detox Turmeric Lentil Soup

Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Can You Freeze Detox Turmeric Lentil Soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations for Your Detox Turmeric Lentil Soup

Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations to try:

Vegan/Vegetarian Option

This recipe is already vegan, but you can substitute the almond milk with any other plant-based milk, like oat or soy milk.

Low-Sodium Option

Use low-sodium vegetable broth and reduce the amount of added salt.

Adjusting the Spice Level

Spice Level	Red Pepper Flakes
Mild	1/4 teaspoon
Medium	1/2 teaspoon
Spicy	3/4 – 1 teaspoon

Instant Pot Instructions

1. Sauté the vegetables and spices in the Instant Pot using the sauté function.
2. Add the lentils, broth, and water.
3. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.
4. Stir in the almond milk, spinach, herbs, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes.

Slow Cooker Instructions

1. Add all ingredients (except almond milk, spinach, herbs, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes) to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
3. Stir in the almond milk, spinach, herbs, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes before serving.

Make-Ahead Instructions

To save time on busy weeknights, you can chop the vegetables and measure out the spices ahead of time. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nutritional Information

Approximate nutritional information per serving:

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 45g

Conclusion

I hope you’ll give this Detox Turmeric Lentil Soup a try! It’s a delicious and nourishing way to support your well-being, especially on busy weeknights. And the best part? It’s so easy to make.

I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below and let me know if you try the recipe. Did you make any variations? What did you think of the flavor? I can’t wait to hear from you!