1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Immune Boosting Soup

Healing Immune Boosting Soup

Featured in Warm and Comforting Bowls.

This restorative soup combines vibrant vegetables and quick cooking red lentils with powerful immune supporting ingredients. Fresh ginger, aromatic garlic, and golden turmeric create layers of flavor while adding wellness benefits to every spoonful. The versatile preparation method works beautifully on stovetop or pressure cooker, delivering satisfying results in just thirty five minutes. Simple ingredients transform into an incredibly nourishing meal that supports wellbeing without sacrificing flavor.
A smiling woman in an apron poses for a selfie in a professional kitchen.
Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 20:29:37 GMT
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Send Recipe Jump To Recipe
A bowl of creamy yellow soup, garnished with fresh herbs and chunks of corn, sits on a marble surface. Pin it
A bowl of creamy yellow soup, garnished with fresh herbs and chunks of corn, sits on a marble surface. | tastygusto.com

I created this nourishing soup during cold season when we needed something comforting yet healthy. The combination of colorful vegetables red lentils and warming spices like turmeric and ginger creates pure goodness in every spoonful. Its become my go to recipe whenever anyone in the family needs an extra boost.

What Goes Into This Magic

Everything in this soup works together to make you feel good. The classic mix of onions celery and carrots creates a flavorful base while garlic adds its natural healing touch. Turmeric and ginger bring their warming benefits and those sweet parsnips add such nice flavor. Red lentils make it creamy and filling while a splash of lemon brightens everything up. I love adding kale or spinach for extra nutrients.

About Those Lentils

  • Lentils: Red lentils are ideal for this recipe. Their softness and ability to blend into the soup create a creamy consistency and luxurious thickness.
  • Alternatives: Green lentils can be used but require closer to 30 minutes of cooking and will retain a firmer texture in the soup.

Make It Your Own

  • Mushrooms: Shiitake mushrooms add an umami depth to the soup.
  • Peas: Frozen peas can be stirred in at the end for a pop of green and extra sweetness.
  • Grains: Add a cup of cooked rice, couscous, or your favorite grain to make the soup heartier.

Instant Pot Magic

On busy days I love making this in my Instant Pot. Just sauté those aromatics with the spices first then add everything else seal and cook for eight minutes. The pressure cooking keeps all the goodness locked in and dinner is ready in no time.

Saving For Later

This soup is perfect for meal prep it stays good in the fridge for about five days. When I make extra I freeze it flat in freezer bags its so convenient. Just thaw overnight when youre ready for another comforting bowl.

A hearty bowl of green vegetable soup is garnished with fresh herbs and served in a dark, rustic pot. Pin it
A hearty bowl of green vegetable soup is garnished with fresh herbs and served in a dark, rustic pot. | tastygusto.com

Why Its So Good For You

Every ingredient brings something special to this healing soup. The turmeric and ginger work together to fight inflammation while garlic adds its natural protective benefits. Those red lentils give you protein and fiber and the greens pack in vitamins. That squeeze of lemon at the end isnt just for taste it adds immune boosting vitamin C too.

Perfect Pairings

We love this soup on its own but sometimes pair it with crusty bread for dunking. A dollop of yogurt on top adds nice creaminess or try some chili flakes if you like heat. For extra protein we sometimes add shredded chicken or my crispy roasted chickpeas.

My Kitchen Secrets

Let that minced garlic rest a bit before cooking it develops more flavor. Take time with the vegetables at the start it makes such a difference. The lentils need their time too dont rush them. I always add fresh ginger right at the end for an extra boost.

Why You Need This Recipe

This soup is like a warm hug when youre feeling under the weather or just need some comfort. Its quick simple and you can change it up however you like. The blend of lentils vegetables and warming spices makes it both satisfying and nourishing perfect for any day.

Keep It Fresh

Let the soup cool before storing it away in containers. Itll stay perfect in the fridge for 5 days. For longer storage pop it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When youre ready to enjoy just warm it slowly on the stove stirring now and then to keep that lovely texture.

Easy Instant Pot Method

Your Instant Pot makes this soup even simpler. Start by sautéing those vegetables right in the pot then add your spices lentils and broth. Eight minutes under pressure is all it takes. Once its done add your greens and lemon for the perfect finishing touch. Its the easiest way to get all those wonderful flavors and nutrients.

A rustic bowl of yellow-green soup is garnished with fresh herbs, surrounded by a textured cloth and greens. Pin it
A rustic bowl of yellow-green soup is garnished with fresh herbs, surrounded by a textured cloth and greens. | tastygusto.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different vegetables?
Yes, you can substitute parsnips with sweet potatoes, and use either kale or spinach for the greens. Other vegetables can be added based on preference.
→ Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, cook on high pressure for 8 minutes with quick release. Add greens after pressure cooking and let steam for 2 minutes.
→ How long does this soup keep?
Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors often develop more over time.
→ Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Add fresh herbs after reheating for best flavor.
→ Is this soup spicy?
No, the ginger and turmeric add warming flavors but not heat. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Immune Boosting Soup

A comforting vegetable soup loaded with immune-supporting ingredients like turmeric, ginger, garlic and leafy greens.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 servings)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 2 tablespoons extra virgin oil.
02 1 large onion, diced.
03 3 large carrots, chopped.
04 2 parsnips, chopped.
05 3 stalks celery, finely chopped.
06 6 cloves garlic, minced.
07 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced.
08 1 teaspoon dried turmeric.
09 3/4 cup red lentils.
10 2 tablespoons fresh parsley.
11 1/2 teaspoon sea salt.
12 4 cups vegetable broth.
13 2 cups water.
14 2 cups kale or spinach, finely chopped.
15 1 small lemon, juiced.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oil in large pot over medium heat. Cook onion 3 minutes, then add carrots, parsnips, and celery for 5 minutes more.

Step 02

Stir in garlic, turmeric, and ginger. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Add broth, water, lentils, salt and pepper. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer covered 15 minutes.

Step 04

Remove from heat. Add kale, parsley, and lemon juice. Cover to steam greens. Season to taste.

Notes

  1. Can substitute parsnips with sweet potatoes.
  2. Can use either kale or spinach.
  3. Can be made in Instant Pot.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot or dutch oven.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 216
  • Total Fat: 5.6 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 36.3 g
  • Protein: 7.7 g