π² Healthy Indian Chicken Vegetable Soup
π Ingredients:
For Chicken:
- 200β250g boneless chicken (preferably breast or thigh)
- Β½ tsp turmeric
- Salt to taste
- Water to boil
Vegetables (adjust as per preference):
- 1 small carrot β chopped
- Β½ cup cabbage β shredded
- Β½ cup green beans β chopped
- Β½ small capsicum β chopped (optional)
- ΒΌ cup green peas (fresh/frozen)
- 1 tomato β finely chopped
- 1 small onion β chopped
- 1β2 garlic cloves β minced
- Β½ inch ginger β grated
Spices:
- Β½ tsp cumin seeds
- ΒΌ tsp turmeric powder
- Β½ tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- Β½ tsp garam masala (optional)
- Β½ tsp coriander powder (optional)
Other:
- 1 tsp olive oil or ghee
- 3β4 cups water or homemade chicken stock
- Chopped fresh coriander
- Lemon juice (for serving)
π¨βπ³ Instructions:
πΉ 1. Boil the Chicken:
- In a pot, add chicken, a pinch of turmeric, salt, and 2 cups water.
- Boil for 10β12 minutes or until cooked.
- Remove chicken, shred it, and reserve the stock.
πΉ 2. SautΓ© the Base:
- In another pot, heat oil or ghee.
- Add cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
- Add ginger, garlic, and onion. SautΓ© until soft and golden.
- Add tomato and cook until mushy.
πΉ 3. Add Veggies & Spices:
- Add chopped veggies and sautΓ© for 2β3 minutes.
- Add turmeric, pepper, coriander powder, and a little salt. Mix well.
πΉ 4. Add Stock & Simmer:
- Add the reserved chicken stock and 1β2 more cups water if needed.
- Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 10β15 minutes until veggies are tender.
πΉ 5. Add Chicken & Finish:
- Add shredded chicken and garam masala (if using).
- Simmer for another 3β5 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning, then turn off the heat.
πΉ 6. Garnish & Serve:
- Add chopped coriander and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
β
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 2β3 days.