The Ultimate Nourishing Vegetable Soup for a Happy Gut

 

The Ultimate Nourishing Vegetable Soup for a Happy Gut

Discover the vibrant, restorative power of this soul-soothing vegetable soup. It's my go-to recipe for a gentle digestive reset, packed with gut-friendly ingredients and anti-inflammatory spices. This isn't just a meal; it's a bowl of pure wellness that will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized from the inside out.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

• 2 tablespoons high-quality olive oil

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced

• 2–3 cloves fresh garlic, minced

• 2 medium carrots, sliced into rounds

• 2 stalks organic celery, sliced

• 1 medium zucchini, diced

• 1 cup crisp green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced (optional, for a heartier texture)

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, preferably low-sodium or fire-roasted

• 6 cups nourishing vegetable broth (or chicken bone broth for non-vegetarians)

• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric (a golden anti-inflammatory spice)

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a gentle warming kick)

For an Extra Wellness Boost:

• 1 cup chopped kale or baby spinach

• 1/2 cup cooked lentils or chickpeas (for plant-based protein)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Build the Foundation: Add the carrots, celery, zucchini, green beans, and optional potato to the pot. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the vegetables begin to soften.

3. Bloom the Spices: Sprinkle in the turmeric, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for one minute to toast the spices and unlock their rich, aromatic flavors.

4. Simmer to Perfection: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the vegetable broth. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 20-25 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender.

5. Add Your Greens & Protein: If using, stir in the chopped kale or spinach and the cooked lentils or chickpeas during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Cook just until the greens are wilted and vibrant.

6. Serve and Nourish: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle the warm, restorative soup into bowls and enjoy immediately.