Lockdown Challenge: Boost Your Immunity With These 21 Easy-To-Make Soup Recipes

The transition from the biting cold winter months to scorching summer has begun. And during this change of season, our immunities go for a toss and we become more prone to falling ill. Immunity is our body's defence system against harmful bacterial and viral invasions. It is a complex mechanism of cells and bodily fluids that are capable of identifying harmful bacteria and stop them from damaging our body. When this system gets weakened, it results in the body's inability to fight harmful viruses thereby making us fall ill more often. But do you know that boosting your immune system is in your hands? You heard us! One of the easiest ways to ensure a strong immune system is to sip healthy soups daily. So, here are 21 soup recipes that you can try during this 21-days lockdown.

1. Creamy Yogurt Soup

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It is a perfect soup recipe that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Made with yogurt cooked in several aromatic spices like turmeric, garam masala, cumin powder and red chili powder, this soup is not just filling but also prevent weight gaining. According to a study, if a person consumes yogurt instead of an unhealthy snack, it will help you cut down calories and burn belly fat.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup refined oil
• ½ tsp ginger
• 2 cup yoghurt
• 1/2 tbsp turmeric powder
• 2 tsp cumin seeds
• salt as required
• 2-3 jalapeno
• 3 cloves garlic
• red chilli powder as required
• 3-4 coriander leaves
• 1 tsp garam masala powder

Directions

• Heat oil in a pan. Once it is hot enough, sauté minced ginger, garlic cloves and chopped jalapenos for a few seconds.
• Add yoghurt along with all the spices and let it cook for at least 3-4 minutes.
• Transfer it in a serving bowl and garnish with coriander leaves before serving.

2. Watermelon Soup

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Watermelon soup is a healthy, refreshing cold soup that will cleanse your system and keep you energized throughout the day. It is an interesting concoction of watermelon with spices and herbs like mint, and coriander and a tangy bit of lime, for a nutritious, detox drink!

Ingredients

• 2 cups of watermelon
• 2 tbsp mint leaves
• 1 tbsp honey
• 3-4 coriander leaves
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• salt as required

Directions

• In a blender jar add chopped watermelon, honey, mint leaves and lemon juice and blend them together till you get a thick paste.
• Transfer it into a large serving bowl and refrigerate it for at least half an hour before serving.
• Garnish with coriander leaves and serve chilled!

3. Green Peas And Mint Soup

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Ingredients

• 1 tbsp virgin olive oil
• 1-2 cloves of garlic
• 3 cups of water
• 1/2 cup mint
• salt as required
• 1 onion
• ½ tbsp roasted fennel seeds powder
• ½ cup boiled peas
• ground black pepper as required

Directions

• Heat oil in a pan. Add chopped onion, minced garlic to it and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
• Next, add chopped mint leaves and boiled peas along with fennel powder to it. Mix well.
• Once the mixture starts to boil, turn off the flame and let it cool.
• Transfer the mixture in a mixer-blender and blend it until you get a smooth mixture.
• Season it with salt and black pepper and transfer it to a serving bowl.

4. Blueberry Soup

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Blueberry is considered as the healthiest fruit. Right from fending off heart disease to cancer to protecting lungs, blueberries can do wonders on your health. According to a study published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, eating at least three servings of blueberries every week can reduce the risk of heart attacks in women.

Another study found that blueberries increase the formation of natural killer cells which protects our body from harmful viruses and tumours.

Ingredients

• 2 cup blueberry
• 1 cup of water
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 2 cup low-fat yoghurt
• Mint leaves for garnishing
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 tsp ginger

Directions

• Take a pan, pour water and heat it on a high flame. When water starts to boil, add blueberries along with ginger, cinnamon and honey, and allow it to cool for a couple of minutes.
• Once done, turn off the flame and let it cool.
• Pour the mixture in a mixer-blender and blend it till you get a smooth paste.
• Transfer it to a large bowl and freeze it for half an hour.
• Garnish with mint leaves and enjoy!

5. Lauki Soup

We know that you are not fond of eating laukis, but do you know lauki can cure almost all your health problems. Right from controlling your cholesterol level to preventing cancer, this green veggie can do wonders on your health. It can also help you shed those unwanted kilos!

Ingredients

• 1 small diced bottle gourd
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup moong dal
• 2 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves
• 1 dash powdered spice black pepper
• 1 pinch cumin seeds
• 2 cups of water
• 1 small diced onion
• 1 chopped green chilli
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon refined oil
• 1 pinch powdered turmeric

Directions

• To prepare this healthy dish, start with heating oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Once the cumin seeds start to crackle, add diced onions and sauté till they turn golden brown in colour.
• Next, add diced bottle gourd, green chillies, lemon juice, moong dal garlic, coriander leaves, turmeric, salt and black pepper. Mix well and let it cook for a couple of minutes.
• Pour water in the pan and let it come to a boil.
• Once done, transfer the mixture to a pressure cooker and pressure cook them.
• After one whistle, turn off the flame and transfer the mixture to a blender and blend till you get a smooth paste.
• Top it with some fresh coriander and serve!

6. Carrot and Corn Soup

If you are a health freak, you must be familiar with this soup. Carrot and corn soup is a delicious continental recipe which is not just hearty but healthy too!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup frozen sweet corn
• 3-4 cloves of garlic
• 1/2 tsp virgin olive oil
• black pepper as required
• 1 cup chopped carrot
• 1 cup onion
• 1 tsp butter
• 1 cup water
• salt as required

Directions

• Heat water in a pan. Add carrots and corn to it and let it boil. Once done, strain the corn and carrot and reserve the stock. Blend the boiled carrot and corn in a smooth mixture and set aside.
• In a separate pan, add butter, crushed garlic, and chopped onions. Saute them for a while and then transfer the carrot-corn puree to it.
• Sprinkle some salt and pepper over it and mix well.
• Pour the reserved carrot stock into this and allow it to boil.
• Once the mixture starts to thicken, turn off the flame and your soup is ready!

7. Broccoli & Spring Onion Soup

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As the name suggests, this soup is packed with healthy veggies like potatoes and broccoli. While this green veggie is a great source of folate, potassium, vitamins K and C, potatoes are laden with vitamin C and B6 which are beneficial for our health.

Ingredients

• 2 cups chopped potato
• 1 cup chopped broccoli
• Powdered black pepper as required
• 200 ml veg stock
• Water as required
• 2 spring onion

Directions

• Take a large pan and add veg stock and water in it. Mix them together and cook on medium-high flame.
• Add potatoes to the pan and let them cook until they get soft. When potatoes are cooked, add the chopped broccoli florets & spring onion into the pan and allow it to cook.
• Once the veggies are cooked, turn off the flame and let the mixture cool down.
• Pour the mixture in a mixer-blender and blend it till the broccoli and potatoes are mixed well.
• Season the prepared soup with black pepper powder and transfer to a serving bowl.

8. Mixed Vegetable And Cottage Cheese Soup

This summery soup boasts varied flavours from carrot, pea, capsicum, cauliflower, cottage cheese and lentil.

Ingredients

• 1 carrot
• 1/4 cup peas
• 1/4 capsicum
• 1/4 cup lentil
• 400 ml water
• Salt as required
• 10 gm butter
• 1/4 cup cauliflower
• 1/2 beetroot
• 1/4 cup cabbage
• 2 tomato
• 45 gm cheddar cheese
• black pepper as required
• 3 tbsp corn
• 1/4 cup green beans

Directions

• Take a pressure cooker and add all vegetables, cheddar cheese, lentil and water in it.
• Season the vegetables properly with salt and black pepper. Close the lid and cook for around 10-12 minutes.
• Once cooked, transfer to a large bowl and serve hot!

9. Moong Dal Kiwi Coconut Soup

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of boiled dhuli moong dal
• 1 kiwi, peeled
• 1/4 cup of coconut cream
• 1 onion
• 1/2 medium carrot
• A pinch of turmeric powder
• Oil as required
• 1-2 bay leaves
• 1/4 tsp of cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp of coriander seeds
• 1/2 tsp of black peppercorns
• 3-4 cloves of garlic cloves
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 tsp curry powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves

Directions

• Heat oil in a pan and add bay leaves, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, garlic and black peppercorns to it. Saute for a few seconds.
• Add onion and mix well then add chopped carrot, turmeric powder and curry powder to it. Mix well.
• After a couple of minutes, add boiled green gram and salt and allow it to cook.
• Once it is cooked, turn off the flame and add kiwi.
• Now, pour the mixture in a grinder and grind it until you get a smooth mixture.
• Pour the mixture in a pan and add coconut cream to it. Mix well and let it cook for at least 5-6 minutes.
• Turn off the flame and transfer it into a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh coriander sprigs and enjoy!

10. Peanut Soup

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If you want to keep yourself safe from this coronavirus pandemic, then this Peanut Soup recipe is a must-try for you!

Ingredients

• 150 gm roasted peanuts
• 2 onion
• 2 cup veg stock
• 1 tsp lime juice
• Salt as required
• Black pepper powder as required
• 2 tsp peanut butter
• 1 handful coriander leaves
• 2 tbsp peanut oil
• 1/2 tsp lime zest
• 1/4 cup tomato puree

Directions

• Heat peanut oil in a pan. Once it is hot enough, add chopped onions and sauté for a couple of minutes.
• Next, add peanut butter, tomato puree, peanuts along with vegetable stock to it. Mix well and let it come to a boil.
• Once it starts to boil, reduce the flame and cook until it starts to thicken.
• When it is thickened, turn off the flame and transfer it into a blender jar and blend to form a smooth paste.
• Sprinkle salt, pepper powder, lime juice and lime zest on top of it and mix well.
• Transfer it into a serving bowl and serve hot!

11. Corn & Cauliflower Soup

A gorgeous, thick and creamy soup that will boost your immunity.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 chopped onion
• 3-4 cloves of garlic
• 1 tbsp cashew nut paste
• 1 glass of water
• 1 slice of bread
• Salt as per taste
• ¼ tsp black pepper powder

Directions

• Heat oil in a pan and add chopped onion along with garlic cloves in it. Mix well.
• Add the cauliflower florets and cook for a couple of minutes.
• Add cashew nuts, corn and water and cook it on a medium flame for at least 5-6 minutes. Once done, allow it to cool.
• Pour it in a blender and add a slice of bread and blend till you get a smooth paste.
• Now, transfer it into a pan and add milk, black pepper powder, cream, sugar and salt and bring it to boil. Your soup is ready to be consumed.

12. Turnip Soup

Turnip soup is one of the easiest appetizer recipes, which can be made in just a few minutes, without putting in much efforts. Not only is this soup recipe easy, but it is also a much healthier alternative to unhealthy snacks.

Ingredients

• 1 turnip
• 1 cup veg stock
• 1/2 tbsp virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 medium-sized onion
• Salt as required
• 1 clove of garlic

Directions

• Heat oil in a pan and add garlic and onions to it. Saute them until the onions turn golden brown.
• Once you smell the aroma of garlic, sprinkle salt and add vegetable stock along with turnips in it. Mix well and let it come to a boil.
• Once done, turn off the flame and transfer it into a mixture-blender and blend well.
• Pour this mixture in a pan and cook for a couple of minutes on a low flame.
• After 5-6 minutes, turn off the flame, garnish it with coriander leaves and enjoy!

13. Spinach And Peas Soup

Spinach and Peas soup is packed with several vitamins and minerals that can boost your immunity and improve your vision.

Ingredients

• 50 gm spinach
• 1 tbsp virgin olive oil
• 250 ml veg stock
• 1 spring onion
• salt as required
• 80 gm peas
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/2 diced potato
• 1 tbsp fresh cream

Directions

• Pour oil in a pan and heat it on a medium flame.
• Once done, add crushed garlic along with sliced spring onions and saute for a few minutes.
• Next, add diced potatoes and vegetable stock in it and allow it to cook until potatoes become soft.
• Once done, add chopped spinach along with peas and salt and cook for atleast 5-6 minutes.
• Once it starts to thicken, transfer it to a blender jar and blend it until you get a smooth mixture.
• When it is done, transfer it to a serving bowl and enjoy!

14. Celery Soup

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Celery soup is extremely rich in fibre and is gluten-free as well. This delicious recipe is prepared using celery, heavy cream, chicken broth, unsalted butter, potato, onion, virgin olive oil and dill seeds.

Ingredients

• 3 sprigs celery
• 1 medium potato
• 1 medium onion
• 2 cup chicken broth
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ cup dill seed
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp virgin olive oil

Directions

• Begin with chopping potato, celery and onion in separate bowls.
• Heat butter in a pan. Once it starts to melt, add chopped celery, potato, onion and salt to it. Mix well.
• Once onion starts to get tender, add chicken broth to it and let it cook for at least 5-7 minutes.
• Transfer the contents in a blender jar and blend it to a smooth paste.
• Sprinkle salt and dill and serve hot!

15. Moong Dal Shorba

Are you worried that you might gain weight amid lockdown? Start including moong dal shorba in your diet and put your worries at bay!

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup moong dal
• 1 medium onion
• 1/2 tbsp chopped ginger
• 1/2 tbsp chopped garlic
• 1/2 tbsp cumin seeds
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2-3 green chillies
• Coriander leaves to garnish
• A pinch of turmeric powder
• Salt to taste

Directions

• Take a pan and add moong dal, chopped onion, ginger, green chilies, turmeric powder, salt, garlic and water. Let it boil.
• Once it starts to boil, simmer the flame and let it cook for around 15 minutes.
• Once dal becomes soft, put the mixture to a blender and blend until you get a smooth paste.
• In a separate pan, heat butter and add cumin seeds. Pour pureed dal to it and bring it to a boil.
• Squeeze half a lemon and garnish with coriander leaves before serving.

16. Baby Corn Soup

This creamy baby corn soup is perfect for the ones who are looking for a soothing delight.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup baby corn
• 2 cups of water
• 1/2 tsp ginger paste
• 1/2 tsp garlic paste
• 1/2 tsp green chilies
• 1 tsp coriander leaves-finely chopped
• 1 tbsp finely chopped cabbage
• 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
• 1 tbsp finely chopped capsicum
• 1/2 tsp soya sauce
• 1 tbsp chopped mushrooms
• 2 tbsp cornflour mixed with 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp oil
• Salt as required

Directions

• Heat oil in a pan and sauté ginger, garlic, coriander leaves and green chillies together.
• Next, add corns along with all veggies and cook for a couple of minutes.
• Sprinkle salt, black pepper and soya sauce and mix well. Add water and let it come to a boil.
• Once it starts to boil, reduce the flame and add the cornflour mixed with water and stir constantly till it thickens.
• Turn off the flame, transfer to a bowl and serve hot!

17. Black Bean Soup

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion
• 1 medium carrot
• 2-3 garlic colves
• 2 tbsp virgin olive oil
• 1 cup black beans
• 2 tbsp hot sauce
• 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
• Salt as required
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 cup greek yoghurt

Directions

• Start by heating oil in a wok. Add chopped onion, minced garlic and carrot. Cook until onion turns golden brown.
• Add red wine vinegar and cook until it is reduced to half.
• Once done, add black beans along with other spices and water. Let it boil on high flame.
• Once it starts to boil, reduce the flame and cook for around 20-25 minutes.
• Meanwhile, add lime juice and salt to the yogurt and mix well.
• Add this to black bean soup and turn off the flame. Your soup is ready to be consumed!

18. Cucumber Soup

Ingredients

• 2 chopped cucumber
• 1 cup watercress
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt as required
• 2 cup plain greek yogurt
• 10 sprigs dill leaves
• 1/2 tbsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp white wine vinegar

Directions

• Add chopped cucumbers, salt, vinegar, watercress sprigs, dill leaves and olive oil in a mixer and blend till you get a smooth paste.
• Pour this blended mixture in a bowl and refrigerate for at least half an hour.
• Sprinkle salt, black pepper and mix well. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with dill leaves before serving!

19. Oats Soup

Oats soup is low in calories and will keep you satiated for a longer period of time, which in turn will keep those extra kilos at bay!

Ingredients

• 1 cup oats
• 1 cup of water
• Salt as required
• 1 cup milk
• 1 green chilli
• 1 tsp refined oil
• A pinch of black pepper powder
• 1-2 garlic cloves

Directions

• Heat oil in a pan. Once it is hot enough, add chopped onion, green chilli to it and sauté till they turn golden brown.
• Add oats to the pan and roast for a couple of minutes.
• Next, add salt, water and black pepper powder and let it come to a boil.
• Add milk powder and let it continue to boil.
• Once it starts to thicken, turn off the flame and transfer to a serving bowl.

20. Seafood Broth soup

If you are a seafood lover, you will definitely like this warming broth that contains prawns, sea bass and squid.

Ingredients

• 220 gms prawn shells
• 50 gms onion
• 30 gms garlic`
• 1 bayleaf
• 50 gms sea bass
• 50 gms prawns
• 20 gms squid
• 50 gms tomatoes
• 2 gms black peppercorns
• Salt to taste
• 50 ml olive oil
• 5 gms basil
• 30 gms carrot
• 10 gms leeks
• 10 gms celery

Directions

• Wash the prawn shells with normal water and roast them for 20 minutes at 160c.
• Saute mirepoix and add roasted shells to it to make a strong stock.
• Next, in a separate pan, sauté onion and garlic along with bay leaves. Add peppercorns, diced tomatoes, fennel and stock. Cook for a couple of minutes then add seafood and saffron strands.
• Turn off the flame and serve hot.

21. Mushroom Soup

Ingredients

• 250 g mushroom
• Salt as required
• 1 cup fresh cream
• 2-3 garlic cloves
• Black pepper as required
• 1/4 cup flour
• 50 gm butter
• 3 cups of chicken stock

Directions

• Wash mushrooms under running water and chop them.
• Heat butter over a medium flame. Once it starts to melt, add crushed garlic and mushroom and sauté them for 3-4 minutes.
• Add flour, chicken stock, salt and black pepper and mix well. Cook for at least 10 minutes, then blend the mixture in a blender.
• Transfer it to a serving bowl, top it up with fresh cream and serve!

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