🥣 Detox Southwest Soup
🌶️ Description
Detox Southwest Soup is a hearty, plant-based soup inspired by bold Southwestern flavors. Packed with fiber-rich beans, antioxidant-loaded vegetables, warming spices, and cleansing ingredients like garlic, onion, and lime, this soup supports digestion while still being deeply satisfying. It’s perfect for a light detox reset, meal prep, or a nourishing weeknight dinner.
This soup is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and naturally low in fat while high in flavor.
🛒 Ingredients
Base
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1 tablespoon olive oil (or water for oil-free)
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1 medium yellow onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables
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2 medium carrots, diced
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1 red bell pepper, chopped
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1 zucchini, diced
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1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
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1 cup diced tomatoes (or 1 can, no salt added)
Protein & Fiber
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1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
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1 can (15 oz) kidney beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
Liquids & Seasoning
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4 cups vegetable broth (low sodium)
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika
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½ teaspoon ground coriander
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¼–½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
Finishing Touch
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Juice of 1 lime
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¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
👩🍳 Instructions
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Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. -
Add Vegetables
Add carrots, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. -
Season
Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, coriander, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices. -
Simmer
Add vegetable broth, tomatoes, beans, and corn. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes. -
Finish & Serve
Remove from heat. Stir in lime juice and cilantro. Adjust seasoning as needed.
📝 Recipe Notes
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For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans before simmering.
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For a brothier soup, add an extra 1–2 cups of vegetable broth.
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Tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
💡 Tips for Best Results
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Detox-friendly: Skip oil and sauté veggies in vegetable broth or water.
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Spice control: Start mild and increase heat gradually.
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Protein boost: Add quinoa or lentils if desired.
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Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
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Freezing: Freeze up to 3 months in airtight containers.
🍽️ Servings
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Yield: 4–6 servings
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Serving Size: ~1½ cups per serving
📊 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
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Calories: 210
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Protein: 10g
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Carbohydrates: 35g
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Fiber: 11g
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Fat: 3g
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Sodium: 420mg
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Sugar: 6g
(Values may vary based on brands and modifications)
🌿 Health Benefits
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Supports digestion: High fiber aids gut health and regularity.
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Anti-inflammatory: Spices like cumin and paprika reduce inflammation.
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Detox-friendly: Helps flush toxins with hydrating, whole-food ingredients.
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Heart-healthy: Beans help lower cholesterol.
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Immune support: Garlic, onions, and vitamin C-rich veggies boost immunity.
❓ Q & A
Q: Is this soup good for weight loss?
A: Yes. It’s low in calories, high in fiber, and very filling.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely. Add all ingredients and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Q: Is it spicy?
A: Mild by default. Heat level is easy to adjust.
Q: Can I add meat?
A: Yes—shredded chicken or ground turkey works well, though it’s designed as a detox-friendly plant-based soup.
Q: Is this soup good during a cleanse?
A: Yes, especially when prepared oil-free and low sodium.