Turmeric Soup
Simple Nepalese turmeric soup with ginger, garlic, and egg. Quick, cheap, soothing for colds. Ready in about 10 minutes.
I learned this in Nepal; instead of chicken soup (chicken is expensive), they make turmeric soup. It is just as good for a cold.
Submitted by: Mabel Menard from Chicago, IL
Yield: 1
- A quick, low-cost cold remedy using turmeric, ginger, garlic, and an egg.
- Cook aromatics in oil, add turmeric, scramble the egg, then stir in water and salt.
- Easy to adapt: use broth or coconut milk, make it vegan, and add black pepper to boost absorption.
Spices
Featured in this Recipe
Preparation Instructions:
thespicehouse.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Is turmeric soup good for a cold?
Warm fluids soothe a sore throat and clear congestion. Turmeric, ginger, and garlic have anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial properties that can help symptoms. This soup can ease discomfort but is not a cure. If symptoms are severe or last more than a few days, see a doctor.
Can I use fresh turmeric instead of ground?
Yes. Use about 1 teaspoon grated fresh turmeric to replace 1/2 teaspoon ground. Peel and grate it, then sauté with the ginger and garlic the same way. Fresh turmeric has a brighter, slightly earthier flavor.
How can I make this soup vegan or egg-free?
Skip the egg or replace it with soft silken tofu crumbled into the pan. You can also add cooked chickpeas for protein. If you skip the egg, simmer a little longer so flavors meld.
Can I use broth or coconut milk instead of water?
Yes. Use chicken or vegetable broth for deeper flavor. Add a splash of coconut milk or regular milk for creaminess. Fat helps turmeric’s active compounds absorb better, and adding a pinch of black pepper increases absorption further.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat and add a little water or broth if it feels thick. The egg texture may change, so you can add a fresh egg when reheating for better texture.
Will turmeric stain my clothes and cookware?
Yes. Turmeric can leave strong yellow stains on fabric and porous surfaces. Wipe spills right away. For clothes, treat with dish soap and a squeeze of lemon or vinegar before washing. For stains on hard surfaces, clean with a baking soda paste or mild bleach if safe for the surface.
Are there any safety concerns or drug interactions?
Turmeric in small food amounts is safe for most people. In larger amounts it can thin the blood or affect blood sugar. If you are on blood thinners, have surgery coming up, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or take regular medication, check with your healthcare provider before increasing turmeric intake.
How can I change the flavor or texture?
Add more grated ginger or crushed garlic for heat. Stir in a pinch of black pepper to boost turmeric effects. For a thinner soup, add more water or broth. For a silkier texture, cook the egg so it forms fine ribbons or whisk it before adding to make it more uniform.
Is turmeric soup good for a cold?
Warm fluids soothe a sore throat and clear congestion. Turmeric, ginger, and garlic have anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial properties that can help symptoms. This soup can ease discomfort but is not a cure. If symptoms are severe or last more than a few days, see a doctor.
Can I use fresh turmeric instead of ground?
Yes. Use about 1 teaspoon grated fresh turmeric to replace 1/2 teaspoon ground. Peel and grate it, then sauté with the ginger and garlic the same way. Fresh turmeric has a brighter, slightly earthier flavor.
How can I make this soup vegan or egg-free?
Skip the egg or replace it with soft silken tofu crumbled into the pan. You can also add cooked chickpeas for protein. If you skip the egg, simmer a little longer so flavors meld.
Can I use broth or coconut milk instead of water?
Yes. Use chicken or vegetable broth for deeper flavor. Add a splash of coconut milk or regular milk for creaminess. Fat helps turmeric’s active compounds absorb better, and adding a pinch of black pepper increases absorption further.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat and add a little water or broth if it feels thick. The egg texture may change, so you can add a fresh egg when reheating for better texture.
Will turmeric stain my clothes and cookware?
Yes. Turmeric can leave strong yellow stains on fabric and porous surfaces. Wipe spills right away. For clothes, treat with dish soap and a squeeze of lemon or vinegar before washing. For stains on hard surfaces, clean with a baking soda paste or mild bleach if safe for the surface.
Are there any safety concerns or drug interactions?
Turmeric in small food amounts is safe for most people. In larger amounts it can thin the blood or affect blood sugar. If you are on blood thinners, have surgery coming up, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or take regular medication, check with your healthcare provider before increasing turmeric intake.
How can I change the flavor or texture?
Add more grated ginger or crushed garlic for heat. Stir in a pinch of black pepper to boost turmeric effects. For a thinner soup, add more water or broth. For a silkier texture, cook the egg so it forms fine ribbons or whisk it before adding to make it more uniform.
I would not use the amounts above, if you add fresh or dried onion and a tablespoon of tumeric it makes a good cup of healing soup
Although the recipe contains the ingredients for convalescence and a powerful yellow hue, as a soup it was far too watery.