Nothing beats a warm bowl of comforting soup when the weather turns chilly or when you’re feeling under the weather. This cozy soup is packed with nourishing ingredients like honey, turmeric, and garam masala, making it the perfect blend of warmth, flavor, and health benefits. It’s also super easy to make, and trust me, you’ll want to meal prep a big batch because this one is that good! Let’s dive into this hearty, delicious recipe.
Method
Prep Your Veggies
Before you start cooking, it’s important to get all your ingredients ready. Start by peeling the carrots and dicing them into small, even pieces to ensure they cook uniformly. Next, dice the celery into similar-sized pieces. Move on to the onion, chopping it finely so that it blends well into the soup’s base. Lastly, mince the garlic cloves. Since garlic has a strong flavor, mincing it finely helps distribute its taste evenly throughout the dish. Prepping your ingredients ahead of time makes the cooking process smooth and efficient.
Sauté the Aromatics
Place a large pot over medium heat and drizzle in the olive oil. Once the oil is warm, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Stir everything well to coat the ingredients in oil, then add the turmeric, garam masala, and cumin. As the onions and garlic cook, they will soften, and the spices will become aromatic, releasing their rich, earthy flavors. This step is crucial because it builds the foundational taste of the soup. Make sure to stir frequently to prevent the spices from burning and to ensure they evenly coat the onions and garlic. After 2-3 minutes, when the onions turn translucent and the aroma is irresistible, it’s time to move to the next step.
Add the Veggies
Now that your aromatics are well sautéed, it’s time to introduce the vegetables. Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot. Stir well so the vegetables get evenly mixed with the spices. Pour in the water and veggie stock to create the soup base. Cover the pot with a lid and allow the vegetables to soften for about 5 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld together while also slightly cooking the vegetables before adding the grains. Keep an eye on the mixture, stirring occasionally, so nothing sticks to the bottom.
Add the Protein & Creamy Goodness
Once your vegetables have softened slightly, it’s time to add the heartier ingredients. Pour in the quinoa and red lentils, both of which will thicken the soup and provide a wonderful texture. Then, add the drained chickpeas for an extra boost of protein and fiber. To bring in creaminess, pour in the coconut milk, stirring everything together so that the ingredients are well combined. Cover the pot and let the soup cook for about 5-6 minutes. During this time, the quinoa and lentils will absorb the liquid and cook to perfection. Make sure to check occasionally, giving the soup a gentle stir to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom.
Sweeten It Up
Once the quinoa and lentils have softened and the soup has thickened, it’s time to add the final flavor enhancers. Drizzle in the honey to introduce a slight sweetness that balances out the spices beautifully. Add a little more veggie stock if needed to adjust the consistency of the soup. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another minute. Taste the soup at this point and adjust the seasoning if necessary maybe a little extra salt, a squeeze of lemon, or an extra drizzle of honey. After this final step, your soup is ready to be served!
Necessary Tools
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Ladle
Cozy Soup with Honey Recipe
Cuisine: American, EuropeanDifficulty: Easy5
servings10
minutes25
minutes35
minutesIngredients
2 carrots (peeled and diced)
4 stalks celery (diced)
1/2 onion (diced)
5 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tbsp turmeric
1.5 tbsp garam masala
1 tsp cumin
2 tsp honey
2.5 tbsp veggie stock
3 cups water
1 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup quinoa
1/2 cup red lentils
1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
1 tbsp olive oil
Directions
- Prep Your Veggies
First things first, let’s get chopping! Peel and dice the carrots, dice the celery, onion, and mince the garlic. A little bit of prep work goes a long way! - Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil. Toss in the onion, garlic, turmeric, garam masala, and cumin. Stir it all together and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and fragrant. This step releases all the wonderful flavors from the spices your kitchen will start smelling amazing! - Add the Veggies
Now, add the diced carrots, celery, and water. Cover the pot and let everything soften for about 5 minutes. This will give the veggies a head start before adding the grains. - Add the Protein & Creamy Goodness
Time to add the hearty ingredients! Pour in the quinoa, red lentils, chickpeas, and coconut milk. Stir everything well, cover, and let it cook for another 5-6 minutes until the quinoa is tender and the lentils have softened. - Sweeten It Up
Drizzle in the honey and veggie stock, then give it one last stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Let it simmer for another minute, then it’s time to serve!
Notes
- Don’t burn the spices! Make sure you stir frequently when sautéing them with the onions so they don’t stick or burn.
- Watch the quinoa and lentils. They cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking and making the soup too thick.
- Adjust liquid as needed. If your soup gets too thick, just add a bit more water or veggie stock until you reach your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this soup warm with a side of crusty bread or naan for a complete meal.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lemon, or even a dollop of yogurt for extra creaminess.
- If you like a little heat, add a pinch of chili flakes!
Fun Fact
Did you know that turmeric, one of the key ingredients in this soup, has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine? It’s packed with anti-inflammatory properties and is great for boosting your immune system just what you need on a chilly day!
Conclusion
This cozy honey-infused soup is exactly what you need when you want something warm, flavorful, and nourishing. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving something hearty, this soup is a go-to. It’s perfect for meal prep, packed with healthy ingredients, and full of comforting spices. Try it out and let me know how many days in a row you end up eating it I promise, it’s that good!
