Detox Turmeric Lentil Soup (Easy Detox Vegetable Soup Recipe!) (2024)

This Turmeric Lentil Detox Soup is a simple, healthy, and hearty meal that's great for digestion and the liver. It’s easy to make, packed with protein, and delicious!

this recipe

Let’s get this out of the way: the word “detox” is controversial in the health world, and I’m not going to claim that this detox soup will purge your body of toxins and have you feeling like a brand new person after a single bowl. Instead, consider this a detox-friendly soup—it's packed with ingredients that support your body'snatural detoxification system!

You see, our bodies are pretty darn amazing (if you didn't already know). We have systems inside of us that naturally flush out unwanted junk that we're consuming. There aren’t magical foods that “detox” our bodies, but you can support your liver and digestive system by eating the wholesome, nutrient-dense foods they need to do their job.

Enter: Detox Turmeric Lentil Soup.

Just like my Easy Red Lentil Soup and , this Turmeric Lentil Detox Soup is packed with flavor, protein, and fiber, but it's also made with some key ingredients to support your digestive system and liver health.

What Are the Health Benefits of Turmeric?

Curcumin is the active component in turmeric, and not only does it give turmeric its rich golden color, it’s also responsible for its detox powers. Curcumin has been shown to not only help reduce inflammation, but also support, and even enhance, the production of bile in the gallbladder. Bile helps the liver flush out toxins, and it also rejuvenates liver cells!

What You’ll Need

Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

  • Avocado oil
  • Onion
  • Celery
  • Turnipor potato
  • Sweet potato – Sweet potatoes are high in fiber to support the digestive system and liver health.
  • Garlic – Garlic is high in vitamin C and antioxidants, both of which help support the liver and kidneys as they are working to flush toxins from our bodies.
  • Sea salt – Regular salt is fine, too, but sea salt brings some extra minerals to the table.
  • Black pepper – Black pepper contains a compound called piperine that enhances the absorption of curcumin in the body. Whenever you have turmeric, you should always pair it with black pepper!
  • Dried thyme
  • Greenor brown lentils – High fiber foods like lentils help the digestive system do its job more effectively.
  • Red lentils
  • Turmeric
  • Ginger – Ginger speeds up the emptying of the stomach and soothes digestive upset.
  • Cumin
  • Vegetable broth – Homemade vegetable broth is best, but store-bought is fine too.
  • Water
  • Almond milk
  • Spinach
  • Fresh herbs– I like parsley, which has a number of health benefits, but cilantro is delicious in this soup too!
  • Lemon juice
  • Red pepper flakes

How to Make Turmeric Lentil Detox Soup

I can't wait for you to try this soup! Not only is it cozy and loaded with healthy ingredients, it also tastes amazing—and it’s a cinch to make. What’s not to love?!

Cook the veggies. Heat the oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Stir in the onions, celery, turnip, potato, and garlic; cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables soften a bit. Add the salt, pepper, and thyme and cook about 2 minutes more.

Simmer. Add the lentils, turmeric, ginger, and cumin to the pot. Sauté for a minute or two, then pour in the broth and water. Bring the soup to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat. Simmer for 30 minutes.

Finish. Remove from the heat and stir in the almond milk, spinach, herbs, lemon juice, and pepper flakes. Once the spinach has wilted, serve immediately.

Tips for Success

This is a simple soup, but I still have a few hints and tips to help make sure it turns out perfect!

  • Pick over the lentils. Whenever you cook with lentils, you should rinse them and give them a quick inspection to make sure there aren’t any pebbles in them. (Believe it or not, it does happen.)
  • Cut your veggies in uniform sizes. This ensures that they’ll cook evenly!
  • Customize it to your needs. Swap the vegetable stock for bone broth (or vegan bone broth!), use heavy cream or coconut milk instead of almond milk, substitute butternut squash for sweet potatoes—this Turmeric Lentil Detox Soup is easy to adapt to all kinds of dietary needs!

Serving Suggestions

This detox soup is delicious as-is, but here are some ideas for jazzing it up!

  • Make it creamier. Add a dollop of yogurt or cashew cream on top and swirl it in just before eating!
  • Add some texture. Toasted cashews, crispy roasted chickpeas, and kale chips are all delicious toppings for this soup.
  • Pair it with your favorite grain. Naturally, we’re partial to cooked quinoa, but brown rice is good too!

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

This detox soup is a healthy meal prep option for lunch or dinner, so you might want to double the recipe! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can This Recipe Be Frozen?

Like most soups, Detox Turmeric Lentil Soup freezes beautifully! Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months; it can be thawed in the refrigerator or reheated from frozen.

More Delicious Soup Recipes:

  • Healing Cauliflower Holiday Soup
  • Healthy Green Detox Soup
  • Tortilla Soup with Quinoa
  • Creamy Italian Quinoa Soup

Detox Turmeric Lentil Soup

4.9 from 8 votes

This Detox Turmeric Lentil Soup is a flavorful cleansing soup recipe made with ingredients that support liver and digestive health.

author: Alyssa

yield: 6 servings

Detox Turmeric Lentil Soup (Easy Detox Vegetable Soup Recipe!) (9)

Prep: 10 minutes minutes

Cook: 40 minutes minutes

Total: 50 minutes minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 cup chopped turnip or potato
  • 2 1/2 cups chopped sweet potato
  • 2 minced garlic cloves
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 cup green or brown lentils
  • 1 cup red lentils
  • 1 – 2 tablespoons turmeric I like 2
  • 1 teaspoon ginger
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1 cup spinach
  • 1 cup fresh herbs I like parsley
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a large stockpot or dutch oven. Add onions, celery, turnip, potato and garlic and saute for about 5 minutes until everything softens slightly. Season with salt, pepper and thyme and cook about 2 minutes.

  • Add lentils, turmeric, ginger and cumin and saute 1 – 2 minutes, then add the broth and water. Bring the soup to a boil, cover and reduce to simmer for 30 minutes.

  • Remove from heat and stir in almond milk, spinach, herbs, lemon and pepper flakes until spinach has wilted. Serve immediately!

Video

Notes

How to store: Store this soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Nutrition

Calories: 338kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 444mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 6g

cuisine: American

course: Soup

★★★★★

Did You Make This Recipe?

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Detox Turmeric Lentil Soup (Easy Detox Vegetable Soup Recipe!) (10)

Filed Under:

  • Dairy Free
  • Freezer Friendly
  • Gluten-Free
  • Lunch
  • One Pot Meals
  • Recipes
  • Soup
  • Stovetop
  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian
Detox Turmeric Lentil Soup (Easy Detox Vegetable Soup Recipe!) (11)

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Detox Turmeric Lentil Soup (Easy Detox Vegetable Soup Recipe!) (2024)

FAQs

Can you eat lentils on a detox? ›

Other whole grains and legumes like lentils can be used too. Though legumes, in general, are difficult to digest for many people, lentils and mung beans are on the easier-to-digest list. A bowl of kitchari is ideal for the cleanse because it's easy to digest, and it provides plenty of nutrition for healing.

What are the benefits of turmeric soup? ›

One of the benefits of turmeric is its ability to increase the antioxidant capacity of the body. Oxidative damage can lead to aging and a number of other diseases. It involves free radicals, which tend to react with important organic substances like fatty acids, DNA, and protein.

What are the benefits of lentil soup? ›

Lentils are rich in fiber, which helps improve your digestion and lower your cholesterol levels. Fiber also helps regulate your blood sugar levels, preventing spikes and crashes that can affect your mood and energy.

How long does lentil soup last in the fridge? ›

Lentil Soup will easily keep for 5 days in the fridge, making it ideal for cooking on the weekend and serving throughout the week. And it also freezes 100% perfectly for 3 months – even longer!

How do you thicken lentil soup? ›

You can also use flour or cornflour to thicken a soup. Put a tablespoon of either into a small bowl and stir in 2-3 tbsp of the soup until you have a smooth mixture. Stir this back into the soup and bring it to a simmer.

What to eat with lentil soup? ›

What to Serve with Lentil Soup. It pairs beautifully with a rustic bread – such as sourdough toast or my Fluffy Vegan Spelt Rolls. It would also go well with white or brown rice, cauliflower rice, or Garlic & Herb Flatbread.

What is the fastest way to flush your body of toxins? ›

While detox diets have a seductive appeal, your body is fully equipped to handle toxins and other unwanted substances.
  1. Limit alcohol. ...
  2. Focus on sleep. ...
  3. Drink more water. ...
  4. Reduce your intake of sugar and processed foods. ...
  5. Eat antioxidant-rich foods. ...
  6. Eat foods high in prebiotics. ...
  7. Decrease your salt intake. ...
  8. Stay active.

Do lentils clean your gut? ›

Lentils are rich in a type of fiber that helps your digestive system work as it should and fuels good bacteria in your gut. Fiber may also help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. “Fiber plays an important role in regulating our bowels and protecting the immune system,” says Homan.

What organ is turmeric good for? ›

Turmeric is widely used in cooking and gives Indian curry its flavor and yellow color. It is also used in mustard and to color butter and cheese. Turmeric has been used in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine as an anti-inflammatory, to treat digestive and liver problems, skin diseases, and wounds.

Is 1 teaspoon of turmeric a day enough? ›

How much turmeric should you consume to retain the health benefits? Here are a few helpful tips to get you started. Sayer uses 1/2 - 1.5 teaspoons per day of the dried root powder, certified organic. A typical dose of supplemental curcumin is about 250mg per day, and often increased when dealing with a condition.

Which color lentil is healthiest? ›

Black Lentils (Beluga lentils)

Thanks to the robust flavor, these lentils pair well with meaty veggies and marinated proteins like mushrooms, tofu, and seitan. Best of all, black lentils are the most nutritious variety of lentils, boasting the highest amount of protein, plus high levels of calcium, potassium, and iron.

Do lentils burn belly fat? ›

Lentils and beans are rich in soluble fiber, which is the single best carbohydrate to help you burn belly fat. "Soluble fiber forms a thick gel when it binds with water in the body," Tracy said. "This gel that forms therefore slows digestion in the body, which keeps you feeling full for longer!

Is lentil soup OK for kidneys? ›

Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based kidney friendly protein, rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber. Whether used in a soup, salad, or main dish, lentils are a hearty, healthy addition to any meal. Buy lentils in dried, canned, or frozen forms.

Is it OK to reheat lentil soup? ›

The soup will thicken when cooled, so when it is reheated in a saucepan on the stovetop, add water to adjust the consistency. To reheat frozen soup, place it in a saucepan with about 1/2 cup water; cover and cook over low heat, allowing the soup to defrost. Add more water as needed.

Should lentils be soaked before making soup? ›

The other good news: Lentils don't need to soak as beans do (though you do need to sort and rinse them before cooking). Different types of lentils cook in different amounts of time. Red lentils are the fastest cooking and they dissolve as they cook and make for a smooth soup.

What are the best tasting lentils? ›

Black Beluga lentils have the most flavor, adding a rich, earthy taste and a firm texture that holds up well during cooking. Black lentils will be ready in 20–25 minutes; however, they will fall apart like their brown, green, and red partners once you cook them for too long.

Can you overcook lentil soup? ›

Yes, you can overcook lentils; they will become mushy. Much depends on the type of lentil you're using. Some cook quicker and hold their shape better than others. To avoid overcooking them, always follow the cooking directions in your recipe and use the type of lentils called for in the ingredient list.

How long do lentils take to cook? ›

Be sure to use a large enough saucepan as the lentils will double or triple in size. Bring to a boil, cover tightly, reduce heat and simmer until they are tender. For whole lentils, cook time is typically 15-20 minutes. For split red lentils, cook time is typically only about 5-7 minutes.

Do lentils go bad? ›

If stored at less than 15 percent moisture and under 60 degrees Fahrenheit, lentils have a shelf life of up to three years; however, long storage may cause discoloration, hardness or moisture absorption.

Is lentil soup good for bowels? ›

A 1/2-cup serving of boiled lentils contains an impressive 7.8 g of fiber. Eating lentils may also help increase the production of butyric acid, a type of short-chain fatty acid found in your colon. This could increase the movement of your digestive tract to promote bowel movements.

Can I eat lentil soup everyday? ›

Eating half a cup of cooked lentils gives you lots of essential nutrients and their high fiber content makes you feel full. However, the fiber in lentils can be hard for your body to break down. Eating too many lentils can cause gas, bloating, and cramping.

What pairs with lentils? ›

If you have a few root vegetables hanging out in your fridge, those are also great with lentils, like in this warm lentil and root vegetable salad with parsnips and carrots. Lentils are particularly nice with cheese, as in this grilled halloumi and lentil salad.

What foods should I avoid while detoxing? ›

Most detoxification programs recommend removing highly processed foods and foods to which some people are sensitive, such as dairy, gluten, eggs, peanuts and red meat. They also recommend eating mostly organically grown vegetables, fruit, whole non-glutenous grains, nuts, seeds and lean protein.

When should you not eat lentils? ›

If you have any existing gut issues (such as irritable bowel syndrome) or autoimmune conditions (such as Crohn's or Hashimoto's), lectins are likely to be far more problematic for you. Raw or undercooked lentils are exceedingly harmful and can even result in death for some people.

Are lentils good for liver detox? ›

Lentils - Lentils contain high amounts of choline, which helps prevent fat build up in the liver. If too much fat builds up in the liver it can hinder its ability to properly filter toxins, so lentils are good to add to your diet.

What are the best foods for detoxing? ›

To help support your detoxification system, add these foods to your weekly shopping list:
  • Crucifers. ...
  • Turmeric. ...
  • Blueberries. ...
  • Green Tea. ...
  • Yogurt. ...
  • Flaxseeds. ...
  • Soy. ...
  • Red Grapes. Red grapes contain resveratrol, a phytonutrient and free radical-scavenging antioxidant that may protect us from heart disease.
Aug 13, 2021

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