🍲 Healthy Indian Chicken Vegetable Soup
📝 Ingredients:
For Chicken:
- 200–250g boneless chicken (preferably breast or thigh)
- ½ tsp turmeric
- Salt to taste
- Water to boil
Vegetables (adjust as per preference):
- 1 small carrot – chopped
- ½ cup cabbage – shredded
- ½ cup green beans – chopped
- ½ small capsicum – chopped (optional)
- ¼ cup green peas (fresh/frozen)
- 1 tomato – finely chopped
- 1 small onion – chopped
- 1–2 garlic cloves – minced
- ½ inch ginger – grated
Spices:
- ½ tsp cumin seeds
- ¼ tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- ½ tsp garam masala (optional)
- ½ tsp coriander powder (optional)
Other:
- 1 tsp olive oil or ghee
- 3–4 cups water or homemade chicken stock
- Chopped fresh coriander
- Lemon juice (for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions:
🔹 1. Boil the Chicken:
- In a pot, add chicken, a pinch of turmeric, salt, and 2 cups water.
- Boil for 10–12 minutes or until cooked.
- Remove chicken, shred it, and reserve the stock.
🔹 2. Sauté the Base:
- In another pot, heat oil or ghee.
- Add cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
- Add ginger, garlic, and onion. Sauté until soft and golden.
- Add tomato and cook until mushy.
🔹 3. Add Veggies & Spices:
- Add chopped veggies and sauté for 2–3 minutes.
- Add turmeric, pepper, coriander powder, and a little salt. Mix well.
🔹 4. Add Stock & Simmer:
- Add the reserved chicken stock and 1–2 more cups water if needed.
- Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 10–15 minutes until veggies are tender.
🔹 5. Add Chicken & Finish:
- Add shredded chicken and garam masala (if using).
- Simmer for another 3–5 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning, then turn off the heat.
🔹 6. Garnish & Serve:
- Add chopped coriander and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
✅ Tips for Health Boost:
- For weight loss: Use lean breast meat and skip ghee; stick to olive oil.
- For immunity: Add a pinch of black pepper + a little turmeric.
- Add protein & fiber: Toss in a few soaked lentils or moong dal while boiling chicken.
- Meal prep? Make a big batch and refrigerate for 2–3 days.