Description

This comforting broth-based soup recipe is a flavorful and versatile base made with aromatic spices, fresh ginger, garlic, and onions sautéed in olive oil or ghee. Enhanced with turmeric, cumin, coriander, and a touch of heat from cayenne, the broth combines vegetable or chicken stock with water and a splash of citrus or vinegar for brightness. It serves as a nourishing foundation perfect for adding your preferred vegetables, proteins, pasta, or beans to create a customized, soothing soup.

Ingredients

Scale

Broth Base Ingredients

1–2 tablespoons olive oil (or ghee)
1 onion, diced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated or finely minced
4–5 garlic cloves, grated or finely minced
1–2 teaspoons turmeric powder (or 2–3 teaspoons fresh turmeric, finely grated, or a combination)
¼ teaspoon mustard seed (optional)
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon coriander
¾ – 1 teaspoon salt
4 cups water
4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or more to taste
Squeeze of lime juice or lemon juice to taste, or 1-2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar to taste

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: In a large heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes fragrant and golden.
Add Ginger, Garlic, and Turmeric: Stir in the grated or minced fresh ginger, garlic, and fresh turmeric (if using). Continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and golden.
Add Spices: Add the mustard seeds (if using), cumin, coriander, and turmeric powder (if using). Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.
Simmer the Broth: Pour in 4 cups of water and 4 cups of vegetable or chicken stock, then season with ¾ to 1 teaspoon salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add Acidity and Adjust Seasoning: Add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice, or 1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavors. Add cayenne pepper to taste for heat. Taste the broth and adjust salt, citrus, and spice levels according to your preferences.
Customize Your Soup: This broth can serve as a base for your favorite vegetables, proteins, or starches. Keep in mind that uncooked pasta and beans will expand significantly during cooking, so add them in moderate amounts (e.g., 4 ounces dry pasta) and adjust cooking times carefully for all added ingredients.
Storage: You can refrigerate or freeze the broth in batches for convenient future use.

Notes

Fresh turmeric provides a vibrant flavor and color; if unavailable, use turmeric powder.
Mustard seeds are optional but add a subtle nutty flavor and texture.
Adjust cayenne pepper carefully to your preferred heat level.
When adding pasta or beans, remember they will increase in size, so start with smaller amounts.
This broth base is versatile and can be customized with any additional vegetables, meats, or grains.
Using ghee instead of olive oil adds a rich, buttery flavor and is suitable for those preferring dairy fats.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: International

Keywords: broth soup, comforting soup, turmeric soup, ginger garlic broth, easy soup recipe, healthy broth base, homemade soup stock, warming soup