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Immunity Boosters are Essential for the Winter

Source shutterstock.com I Colorful soup

Winter is the time to take your sweaters and bask in the sun. But it is also the weather when you may catch a cold and the flu. It becomes essential to have food that can boost your immunity during these harsh months. A healthy diet can help you ward off diseases. Your immunity can be increased by having a healthy mix of vegetables, proteins like chicken, lentils, etc, it would be difficult to have all of them in a single item. You can mix all of them in a soup that can be prepared quickly. But what are the soups that you can prepare? In this article, we have discussed some of the recipes of immunity-boosting soups. You can easily prepare them at home.

Know the Soup Ingredients that Enhance Immunity

Vegetables

Source shutterstock.com I Vegetables and fruits

You can include a lot of vegetables in your soup to enhance your immunity during winter. Broccoli has minerals and vitamins, along with antioxidants and fibre. Spinach is rich in vitamin C and also has beta carotene and other antioxidants that can boost your immunity. You can also add papaya and kiwi to your soup to keep you healthy.

Spices

Source shutterstock.com I Spices

It is also essential to include some spices in your soups. Turmeric has anti-oxidants and can work very well against free radicals. Ginger has a chemical named sesquiterpenes along with anti-oxidative properties. Garlic and cinnamon are other common spices that you can use in your soups to increase immunity.

Green Tea

Source shutterstock.com I Green tea

We know green tea has several health benefits, but can it be used in making soups! Yes, you can. It has bioactive compounds along with antioxidants that can work against free radicals. You can add green tea along with fish or brown rice that will be a healthy option for you.

Lentils

Source shutterstock.com I Lentils soup

Lentils are another option that you can have in your soup. They are a great source of zinc that can boost your immunity to a great extent. It also has proteins, fibre and magnesium that can work wonders for your health. You can have several options, like having lentils with chicken or sausages.

Chicken

Source shutterstock.com I Chicken soup

- You must remember that your elders at home prescribed chicken soup when you fell ill. The proteins provide the amino acids that your body will use to fight against diseases. There are other constituents like chondroitin and gelatin that can boost immunity.

Best Soups to Boost Immunity: Yummy Options to Keep Warm and Remain Healthy

Garlic and Tomato Soup

Source sanjeevkapoor.com l Garlic and Tomato Soup

Garlic has several health benefits, and when it combines with tomatoes, you can stay assured that it will boost your immunity. The soup also contains some mozzarella cheese along with some olive oil. And you will just love the taste.

Ingredients

  • 8 medium tomatoes
  • ½ cup tomato puree
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 bulb garlic
  • 1 Bay leaf
  • Black peppercorns, crushed to taste
  • 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
  • 2 spoons olive oil for drizzling
  • 10-12 fresh basil leaves, to garnish
  • Basil oil, to drizzle
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 white bread slice

Recipe:

  • First, you must cut the tomatoes into big pieces.
  • Next, take a flat slice from the bottom of the garlic bulb. Take a small bowl and add some olive oil along with some salt. Roast in a hot oven till browned.
  • Take a non-stick pan and heat two spoons of olive oil. Next, you have to add tomatoes, onion, bay leaf and salt and mix well.
  • Peel some cloves of garlic and add to the pan. Also, add the remaining part of the garlic along with a cup of water and the thyme.
  • Now, add some of the tomato puree and mix again.
  • Also, add the crushed peppercorns and the basil leaves. Add a cover to the pan and cook for 10 minutes till the tomatoes are soft.
  • Use a strainer to store the soup after removing the garlic bulb and the thyme.
  • Grind the garlic bulb and thyme along with some water. Add the bread and grind again.
  • Take a pan and pour the ground matter and the soup. Add salt as needed and boil.
  • Pour the resulting soup into soup bowls and have it.

Red Lentils and Sweet Potatoes Soup

Source iheartvegetables.com l Red Lentils and Sweet Potatoes Soup

In the winter, it is essential to boost your immunity, and this is what lentils can provide. The soup also has other ingredients like garlic, turmeric, ginger, etc. that can prevent cough and flu too. It also contains chickpeas and kale that can ward off diseases.

Ingredients

  • 1 large sweet potato, diced into cubes
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 1 cup red lentils, uncooked and rinsed
  • Chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 5 cups vegetable broth
  • ½ spoon freshly grated ginger
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ spoon paprika
  • ½ cup kale, destemmed and torn into pieces
  • 1 spoon turmeric
  • 1 spoon lemon juice
  • 1 spoon olive oil
  • Salt to taste

Recipe:

  • First, heat olive oil on medium heat for around a minute.
  • Add the cut pieces of onion and cook on medium heat for almost eight minutes while stirring.
  • Add the paprika, turmeric, garlic and ginger and cook for a minute, so that there is a fragrance.
  • Next add the chickpeas, sweet potatoes, red lentils, lemon juice, and vegetable broth and boil for some time.
  • When the soup boils, simmer for around twenty minutes so that the sweet potatoes are softened.
  • And the kale and boil so that they are softened. Once done, add some salt to taste.

Creamy Sweet Potato Soup

Source besthealthmag.ca l Creamy Sweet Potato Soup

Sweet potatoes can help you boost your immunity during winter, and you can also have it during your lunch as an appetizer. You may also add some carrots and coconut milk for added flavour.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup chopped carrots
  • 4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 2 spoons chopped coriander
  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 1 spoon mild Indian curry paste
  • 1 spoon ground coriander seeds
  • 1 spoon cumin, ground
  • 2 spoons vegetable oil
  • 2 spoons lemon juice
  • ½ cup of coconut milk

Recipe:

  • Take a pan, and heat oil to medium heat.
  • Then, add onions and sauté for around two minutes so that they soften. Next, add the pieces of sweet potato and carrots and sauté for another five minutes.
  • Put a cover and allow to simmer for twenty-odd minutes so that the vegetables are softened.
  • Take a blender and blend till they are smooth. Finally, add pepper and salt as per your taste. Pour some lemon juice and garnish with coriander.

Roasted Carrot Rice with Zingy Turmeric Broth

Source thefirstmess.com l Roasted Carrot Rice with Zingy Turmeric Broth

The carrots are fresh during winter and turmeric is known for boosting immunity. The soup is also easy to make, without much fuss. It will also keep you warm for some time.

Ingredients

  • Fresh/dried thyme leaves
  • ½ shallot, cut into fine dices
  • 2 carrots, cut into small pieces
  • 2 spoons turmeric, ground
  • Thumb-size piece of ginger, peeled and minced
  • 1 clove of garlic, minced
  • Juice from half a lemon
  • 1 cup of water
  • Pepper, as needed
  • Salt, as needed
  • 1 spoon coconut oil
  • Oil, as needed
  • Cooked rice
  • Vegetable sprouts or shoots

Recipe:

  • Preheat the oven to around 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, place a small baking sheet with some parchment.
  • Take the carrots and mix them with the thyme along with the oil and salt and pepper as you prefer. Scatter them on the baking sheet and roast for almost twenty minutes so that the carrots are soft and browned.
  • Parallelly, heat coconut oil in a pan at medium-low heat. Also, add the shallots, stir them and sauté for around four minutes so that they are soft.
  • Next, add the ginger, garlic, and thyme. Stir it for around a minute, till there is a fragrance.
  • Also, add the turmeric and stir so that it mixes well. You must continue stirring so that the mix seems paste-like.
  • Slowly add the water and stir again. Lower the heat and simmer the broth for around ten minutes.
  • Now, add the lemon juice and stir well. Then, add the salt and pepper to taste.
  • Take a larger bowl and place the rice and the roasted carrots along with the coating. Take a strainer to strain the broth and pour it on top. Garnish with sprouts if you like.

Bottle Gourd Soup

Source myweekendkitchen.in l Bottle gourd soup

Bottle gourd is known to boost immunity and help to improve our health. It can also help you to have a healthier digestive system and aid in weight loss. However, not everyone may love to have it, but anyone can have this soup.

Ingredients

  • 2 small tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
  • 300 grams bottle gourd, peeled and cut
  • ¼ spoon turmeric powder
  • 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed
  • 1 spoon lime juice
  • Medium-sized ginger, peeled and crushed
  • 1 spoon Olive oil
  • Salt, as needed
  • Black pepper, as needed

Recipe:

  • Heat some oil in a pressure cooker. When it is hot, then add all the vegetables along with turmeric powder and some salt. Mix them well.
  • Sauté for almost two minutes and add two cups of water. Place the lid of the cooker and cook for around four whistles.
  • Remove the heat and pour the soup to a mixer and blend well. You have to adjust water to arrive at the consistency you wish.
  • Take a sieve and strain the soup. Add some lemon juice along with pepper and salt and boil on a low flame.

Beetroot and Carrot Shorba

Source bing.com l Beetroot and Carrot Shorba

Beet is one of the vegetables that you can have only in winter. Add to it the benefits and the taste of carrots, and you can have the soup that will improve your immunity and will also be a change to your taste buds.

Ingredients

  • 3 beetroots, peeled and diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • A medium piece of ginger
  • 2 green chillies
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 spoon cumin seeds
  • 750 ml of water
  • 2 spoons of oil
  • Some coriander stalks
  • Salt to taste

Recipe:

  • Take a pan and heat the oil. Then add the cumin, bay leaf and garlic.
  • Next, sauté for a minute and add the ginger. After adding the ginger, sauté for another minute.
  • Next add green chillies, beetroot and carrot. Cook for another five minutes.
  • Add the coriander and pour the water and boil for some time. Then simmer for around half an hour so that the carrots and beetroot are cooked thoroughly.
  • Next, puree the mixture and adjust the seasoning.
  • Check the consistency and add some water, if needed.
  • Use a sieve to strain the puree to ensure smoothness.

Homemade Vegetable Soup

Source acouplecooks.com l Homemade Vegetable Soup

A vegetable soup is light, and the hot soup is ideal for winter. You may add the vegetables of your choice, but we preferred celery, yellow onions, carrots, etc. it also has parmesan cheese and some yoghurt.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of pasta spirals
  • 8 cups of veggie broth
  • 3 medium carrots
  • 2 stalks celery
  • 1 spoon dried thyme
  • 1 medium yellow onion
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 spoons dried basil
  • 1 spoon garlic powder
  • ½ spoon turmeric
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • Around 2 spoons kosher salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, freshly ground

Recipe:

  • Cut the vegetables into small pieces and mince the garlic.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot. Add the carrots, onions and celery along with the garlic. Sauté around five minutes till the onion is translucent.
  • Next, add the spices and stir well while continuing cooking for about a minute.
  • Now, add the vegetable broth along with a spoon of kosher and the required salt and pepper. Simmer for some time.
  • Then add the pasta and continue simmering about 10 minutes to cook the pasta. Remove it from the heat and cool for some time before serving.

Chicken and Green Tea Soup

Source Besthealthmag.ca l Chicken and Green Tea Soup

We know that green tea can boost immunity, but what about having it with chicken? Can it even happen! Yes, this recipe combines the goodness of tender chicken and green tea.

Ingredients

  • 500 grams cooked boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 4 green tea bags
  • 1 stalk lemongrass
  • large carrot, cut into small slices
  • 1 cup frozen shelled edamame
  • ¼ spoon black pepper
  • ½ spoon red chilli flakes
  • 1 spoon sesame oil
  • ½ spoon sea salt
  • 5 cups of water

Recipe:

  • Take a pan and boil the water. Turn off the heat and add the lemongrass and tea bags. Boil for around 15 minutes.
  • Next, you must remove the solid portions from the broth and simmer for some time.
  • Now, add carrot, mushrooms, edamame along with the chilli flakes salt and pepper. Cook for another five minutes.
  • Finally, add the shredded chicken breast along with the brown rice and sesame oil. Heat again for two minutes.

Ladakhi Chicken Thukpa

Source shutterstock.com I Ladakhi Chicken Thukpa

Thukpa is a Tibetan specialty soup and is ideal during the chilly winter afternoon. It is made by combining chicken with the vegetables of your choice. It is quick to cook and can boost your immunity.

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken legs
  • A handful of egg noodles
  • 1 carrot
  • 200 ml of water
  • 5 ginger
  • 7 spring onions
  • 3 green chillies
  • 1 onion
  • 4-5 cloves of garlic
  • ½ lemon
  • 1 spoon soy sauce
  • 2 spoons olive oil
  • 1 spoon honey
  • Coriander leaves
  • Salt, as needed

Recipe:

  • Separate the 2 chicken legs and thinly cut the ginger. Also, cut the spring onions and the green chillies.
  • Take a pan and heat two spoons of olive oil. Shallow fry the chicken so that it turns light brown.
  • Add the sliced carrots and the chopped onions to the chicken.
  • Next, add the spring onions, garlic, ginger and green chillies.
  • Sprinkle pepper and salt along with some fresh coriander leaves and sauté for some time.
  • Now, add 200 ml of water and let it simmer for around three minutes.
  • Squeeze half the lemon and add the honey and soya sauce. Stir the broth gently, cover it and let it simmer away for around ten minutes.
  • Take the chicken from the broth and shred it.
  • Add some egg noodles in the broth and cook for another five minutes.
  • Finally, add the shredded chicken back into the broth. Let it cook for another 2 - 3 minutes.
  • Once done, garnish with fresh coriander and some spring onions.
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From our editorial team

Soup to Boost Immunity and Stay Healthy

For those looking for a great way to boost their immunity without doing so much work, above are some awesome soup recipes. Having a bit of soup daily will go a long way in boosting your health and immunity. It not only keeps one safe from chronic diseases, but also helps alleviate the pain and anguish from those suffering from such illnesses. These are also the best soups to help stay warm during winter and they have abundant nutritional values.