How to Make Indian Soup with Indian Spices for Detox
Indian cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors and aromatic spices. Making a delicious Indian soup with detoxifying properties is both easy and nourishing. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create a wholesome Indian soup infused with traditional spices that can help detox your body.
Ingredients
To make this revitalizing Indian soup, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup lentils (red or yellow)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 green chilies, slit (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Lentils
Rinse the lentils thoroughly under running water. This helps to remove any impurities and reduces the cooking time. Soak them in water for about 30 minutes if time allows.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds. Then add the chopped onions, green chilies, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
Step 3: Include Spices and Tomatoes
Add the turmeric, coriander powder, and salt to the sautéed mixture. Stir well to combine. Next, add the chopped tomatoes, cooking until they soften and blend with the spices. This combination forms a flavorful base for your soup.
Step 4: Add Lentils and Broth
Spoon in the rinsed lentils and pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
Step 5: Blend for Creaminess (Optional)
If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup until creamy. Alternatively, you can transfer half of the soup to a blender, blend it, and return it to the pot.
Step 6: Add Garam Masala
Once the soup reaches your desired consistency, stir in the garam masala and simmer for another 5 minutes. This spice blend adds warmth and depth to the soup, enhancing its detoxifying properties.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Remove the pot from heat and serve hot. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and squeeze some lemon juice over the top if desired. This adds a refreshing kick and enhances the soup's flavor.
Health Benefits
This Indian soup is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Lentils are a great source of protein and fiber, helping to keep you full while promoting digestive health. The spices used in this recipe, including turmeric and ginger, are known for their anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties, making this soup a perfect addition to your healthy diet.
Conclusion
Making an Indian soup with traditional spices is a fantastic way to detox while enjoying flavorful meals. This recipe is versatile; feel free to add vegetables like spinach, carrots, or bell peppers to boost its nutritional value. Enjoy this warm, comforting soup as a part of your detox journey!