Must Try Gut-Healthy Recipe for You!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 medium sweet potato, diced
• 1 cup chopped kale or spinach
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium if possible)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice (optional, for added fiber)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Gut-Friendly Ingredients to Add:

• 1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed (for added fiber and protein)
• 1 cup chopped cabbage or bok choy (for prebiotics)
• 1 cup chopped mushrooms (for prebiotics and immune support)
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated (for digestion and anti-inflammatory properties)
• 1 cup plain yogurt or kefir (for probiotics)

Instructions:

1. Sauté Aromatics:
   • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add Vegetables:
   • Add diced carrots, celery, sweet potato, zucchini, and any other desired vegetables to the pot. Sauté for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
3. Season:
   • Stir in turmeric, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.
4. Simmer:
   • Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for about 15-20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Add Grains and Greens:
   • If using, stir in cooked quinoa or brown rice for added fiber and cooked chickpeas for protein. Add chopped kale or spinach and let them wilt in the soup for a couple of minutes.
6. Finish and Serve:
   • Squeeze in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors of the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
   • Ladle the vegetable soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro.
   • Optionally, serve the soup with a dollop of plain yogurt or kefir on top for additional probiotics.

This hearty and nutritious vegetable soup is not only delicious but also supports gut health with its fiber-rich ingredients and gut-friendly additions. Enjoy it as a nourishing meal on its own or paired with whole grain bread for a complete and satisfying experience.