Spiced Turmeric Ginger Broth Soup with Garlic and Lime Recipe
Introduction
This comforting broth-based soup features warming spices and fresh aromatics, making it a perfect base for a variety of hearty additions. It’s easy to prepare and adaptable to your favorite vegetables, beans, or pasta for a nourishing meal.

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 mix)
- 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, or more to taste
- Squeeze of lime or lemon juice, or 1-2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar (to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until fragrant and golden.
- Step 2: Add the grated ginger, garlic, and fresh turmeric. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden.
- Step 3: Stir in the mustard seeds (if using), cumin, coriander, and turmeric powder. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to toast the spices slightly.
- Step 4: Pour in the water and vegetable or chicken stock, then add salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Step 5: Add the cayenne and a squeeze of lime, lemon juice, or apple cider vinegar. Taste the broth and adjust salt, acidity, and spice levels to your preference.
- Step 6: This flavorful broth can be used immediately or refrigerated or frozen in batches for later. When ready to serve, add your choice of vegetables, beans, or up to 4 ounces of dry pasta, keeping in mind that pasta and beans will expand as they cook.
- Step 7: Adjust cooking times according to the ingredients added, ensuring everything is cooked through and tender before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use ghee instead of olive oil for a richer flavor and a slightly different aroma.
- Fresh turmeric adds vibrancy but can be substituted with turmeric powder if fresh is unavailable.
- Add hearty vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or leafy greens for extra nutrition and texture.
- Introduce cooked beans or lentils for a protein boost, adding them towards the end to heat through.
- For a spicier broth, increase cayenne or add freshly chopped chili peppers.
- Consider stirring in fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley just before serving to brighten flavors.
Storage
Store the broth in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze in portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm gently on the stove and add any fresh ingredients or pasta after reheating the broth to avoid overcooking.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use only water instead of stock?
Yes, you can use only water, but the flavor may be milder. Using vegetable or chicken stock adds depth and richness to the broth.
How can I make this soup vegan?
Use vegetable stock and olive oil or a plant-based fat like coconut oil or vegan butter instead of ghee to keep the soup vegan.
Print
Spiced Turmeric Ginger Broth Soup with Garlic and Lime Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
A warm and comforting broth-based soup featuring aromatic spices, fresh ginger, garlic, and turmeric. This versatile recipe creates a flavorful base perfect for adding your choice of vegetables, pasta, or proteins, making it an adaptable meal option that’s both nourishing and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
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
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or more to taste
- Squeeze of lime juice or lemon juice to taste, or 1-2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 4 cups water
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large heavy bottom pot or Dutch oven, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft, fragrant, and golden brown.
- Add fresh ginger, garlic, and turmeric: Stir in the grated or minced fresh ginger, garlic, and fresh turmeric. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the garlic turns fragrant and golden.
- Incorporate spices: Add mustard seeds (if using), cumin, coriander, and turmeric powder. Continue to sauté for 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom and release their flavors.
- Add liquids and seasoning: Pour in 4 cups of water and 4 cups of vegetable or chicken stock. Season with salt and cayenne pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add acidity and adjust flavors: Add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice or 1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar for brightness. Taste and adjust salt, spice, and acidity levels as desired.
- Use as a base or refrigerate: This flavorful broth can be used immediately as a soup base. You can add pasta, beans, vegetables, or proteins of your choice, remembering that dry pasta and beans will expand significantly during cooking. Alternatively, cool and refrigerate or freeze the broth in batches for future use.
- Be mindful of cooking times: When adding additional ingredients like pasta or beans, consider their required cook times to ensure the soup’s texture remains perfect.
Notes
- Use fresh turmeric when possible as it provides brighter flavor and color, but turmeric powder works well in a pinch.
- Mustard seed is optional but adds a subtle nutty dimension after toasting.
- Adjust spiciness by varying cayenne pepper amount to your taste preference.
- Acidic ingredients like lime juice, lemon juice, or apple cider vinegar brighten the flavors without overpowering.
- When adding dry pasta or beans, add them in moderation since they expand during cooking—4 ounces of dry pasta is a good guideline.
- This broth is versatile; you can add vegetables, cooked meats, tofu, or grains to make it a complete meal.
- The soup base can be stored refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for 2-3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Keywords: broth soup, turmeric soup, comforting soup, ginger garlic soup, homemade broth, easy soup recipe, healthy soup

