Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
- Heat Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Spices
- Add Carrots and Celery: Stir in the sliced carrots, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle the ground turmeric, ground ginger, ground cumin, ground black pepper, dried thyme, and dried rosemary over the vegetables. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
Step 3: Add Broth and Chicken
- Pour in Broth: Add the low-sodium chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add Chicken: Stir in the cooked chicken breast and let it heat through.
Step 4: Add Greens and Coconut Milk
- Add Greens: Add the chopped kale or spinach to the pot. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes until the greens are wilted.
- Optional Coconut Milk: For a creamy texture, stir in the coconut milk.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve
- Add Lemon Juice: Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the soup. Stir well to combine.
- Season to Taste: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish: Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro.
Tips for Perfect Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup:
- Fresh Turmeric: If available, use fresh turmeric root instead of ground turmeric for an even more potent anti-inflammatory boost. Grate about 1 tablespoon of fresh turmeric and add it to the soup.
- Chicken: Use leftover cooked chicken or a rotisserie chicken to save time. Alternatively, you can cook raw chicken breasts in the broth until they are fully cooked, then shred them.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, sweet potatoes, or peas for additional nutrients and flavors.
- Broth: Use homemade chicken broth for a richer flavor. Bone broth is also an excellent option for added health benefits.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months.
This anti-inflammatory turmeric chicken soup is perfect for a cozy meal that supports your health and well-being. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors and the nourishing benefits with every spoonful!