Mean-Green-Detox-Vegetable-Soup: Rid 6 Lbs of Toxins

Okay, so, you know those days? When you just feel…blah? Like you’re carrying around the weight of the world (or at least a week’s worth of takeout)? I totally get it! That’s *exactly* when I crave a good reset. And trust me, nothing does the trick quite like a big bowl of my Mean-Green-Detox-Vegetable-Soup. Seriously, this soup is like a spa day for your insides!

It’s packed with all sorts of yummy green goodness – kale, broccoli, even a little purple cabbage for fun! We’re talking serious vitamins and nutrients here, people. Plus, it’s got a tiny kick from cayenne pepper (but don’t worry, it’s not *too* spicy!). The best part? It’s so easy to whip up. I swear, even on my laziest days, I can manage this recipe.

I actually stumbled upon the magic of veggie-packed soups years ago when I was feeling totally run down. A friend recommended a detox soup, and wow, what a difference it made! That’s what inspired me to create my own version – this Mean-Green-Detox-Vegetable-Soup. It’s my go-to whenever I need a little boost. You’ve gotta try it!

Why You’ll Love This Mean-Green-Detox-Vegetable-Soup

Okay, so why should you even bother making this Mean-Green-Detox-Vegetable-Soup? Let me tell you – it’s not just “another healthy recipe.” It’s seriously amazing. Here’s why:

Quick and Easy Detox

Seriously, who has hours to spend making soup? Not me! This recipe is FAST. We’re talking minimal prep and cook time. You can have a steaming bowl of detox deliciousness in under an hour. Boom!

Packed with Flavor

Don’t let the “detox” part fool you. This soup isn’t bland! The combo of herbs, spices, and all those veggies creates a flavor explosion. My favorite part is the little kick from the cayenne!

Healthy and Nutritious

Vitamins? Minerals? Fiber? This soup’s got it ALL. It’s like a multivitamin in a bowl. You’ll feel amazing after eating this, I promise!

Vegan and Vegetarian Friendly

Yep, that’s right! Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just trying to eat more plants, this recipe’s for you. No meat, no dairy, just pure veggie goodness.

Customizable to Your Taste

Don’t like kale? Swap it for spinach! Not a fan of broccoli? Use zucchini! This soup is super versatile. You can totally adjust it to your own taste. How cool is that?

Ingredients for Your Mean-Green-Detox-Vegetable-Soup

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! You’ll want to have everything prepped and ready to go before you start cooking—trust me, it makes things SO much easier. Here’s what you’ll need for this amazing Mean-Green-Detox-Vegetable-Soup:

Detailed Ingredient List

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 leek, halved and sliced (the white and light green parts!)
• 4 carrots, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced or grated (I usually grate it ’cause I’m lazy!)
• 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
• Kosher salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy!)
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (more if you like it spicy!)
• 2 quarts low sodium vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup green lentils
• 4 cups roughly torn kale (no need to be perfect!)
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1/4 head purple cabbage, shredded
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley plus cilantro
• Vegan parmesan or regular parmesan for serving (totally optional, but SO good!)

How to Make Mean-Green-Detox-Vegetable-Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here’s the fun part! Let’s get cooking! Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a pot of delicious Mean-Green-Detox-Vegetable-Soup in no time!

Preparing the Base

First, grab a big pot – like, a really big one! Put it over medium heat and drizzle in the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering (that means it’s hot enough!), toss in the leeks and carrots. Cook ’em for about 5 minutes, stirring now and then, until they start to soften. Then, add the garlic and ginger. Cook for another 30 seconds or so – you’ll know it’s ready when you can really smell that garlic! Season with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy!

Simmering the Soup

Now, pour in the vegetable broth, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. It might seem like a weird combo, but trust me, it works! Add about 2 cups of water too. Crank up the heat and bring the soup to a boil. Once it’s boiling, stir in the lentils, reduce the heat back to medium, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. You want those lentils to get nice and soft.

Adding the Greens

Alright, time for the greens! Add the kale, broccoli, and shredded cabbage to the pot. Give it a good stir and let it cook until the lentils are totally tender and the broccoli is nice and green – about 10-15 minutes. Careful not to overcook it, or the broccoli gets kinda mushy. Nobody wants mushy broccoli!

Finishing Touches

Almost there! Just before serving, stir in the lemon juice, parsley, and cilantro. This really brightens up the flavor. Taste the soup and add more salt if it needs it. Then, ladle the Mean-Green-Detox-Vegetable-Soup into bowls and top with vegan parmesan (or regular parmesan, if you’re not vegan). And that’s it! You’re done! Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Mean-Green-Detox-Vegetable-Soup

Want to take your Mean-Green-Detox-Vegetable-Soup from good to *amazing*? I’ve got a few little tricks up my sleeve that I’m happy to share! These tips will help you customize the soup to your exact liking. Let’s get to it!

Adjusting the Spice Level

Okay, so the recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, but honestly, spice is a personal thing! If you’re a spice wimp (like my mom!), start with just a pinch. You can always add more later! But if you’re like me and love a good kick, feel free to add a whole teaspoon – or even more! Just taste as you go and find your perfect level of spicy goodness.

Vegetable Substitutions

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your veggies! Not a fan of kale? No problem! Spinach works just as well. Zucchini, bell peppers, even green beans would be delicious in this Mean-Green-Detox-Vegetable-Soup. It’s all about using what you like and what you have on hand. Just make sure you chop everything into similar sizes so it cooks evenly.

Achieving the Perfect Consistency

Some people like their soup super thick and hearty, while others prefer it a little thinner. The amount of broth you use will determine the consistency of your Mean-Green-Detox-Vegetable-Soup. If you want a thicker soup, use less broth (or simmer it for a bit longer to let some of the liquid evaporate). If you want a thinner soup, add more broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. Easy peasy!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Mean-Green-Detox-Vegetable-Soup

Let’s dive a little deeper into those ingredients, shall we? Sometimes you’re missing something, or maybe just not a fan. No sweat! Here are some easy swaps for this Mean-Green-Detox-Vegetable-Soup!

Leek Alternatives

So, I *love* leeks. They have this mild, oniony flavor that’s just perfect. But hey, if you can’t find them (or just don’t like ’em!), no biggie! You can totally use a regular yellow onion or even some shallots instead. Just chop them up the same way you would the leeks, and you’re good to go!

Lentil Options

I usually use green lentils for this Mean-Green-Detox-Vegetable-Soup because they cook quickly and hold their shape. But you *can* use other types of lentils if that’s what you’ve got! Red lentils will work, but they tend to get a little mushier, so keep an eye on them! Brown lentils are also fine, but they’ll take a bit longer to cook, so adjust your simmering time accordingly.

Soy Sauce Substitute

Okay, so soy sauce adds a nice umami flavor to the soup, but if you’re gluten-free or watching your sodium, there are other options! Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative. And if you want a lower-sodium option, try coconut aminos! They have a similar flavor profile, but they’re a bit sweeter, so you might want to adjust the other seasonings a bit.

Storing and Reheating Your Mean-Green-Detox-Vegetable-Soup

Alright, so you’ve made a big batch of this amazing Mean-Green-Detox-Vegetable-Soup (good for you!), and you’ve got leftovers. Awesome! Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious for later.

Refrigerator Storage

This soup is totally good in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just let it cool down completely before you pop it into an airtight container. I usually use glass containers, but plastic works too! Just make sure it’s sealed tight so it doesn’t get all weird and dry.

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to dig in again, you’ve got a couple of options. You can reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring now and then, until it’s nice and hot. Or, if you’re in a hurry, just zap it in the microwave for a few minutes. I usually do it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, so it heats up evenly. Careful, it can get *really* hot!

Mean-Green-Detox-Vegetable-Soup FAQs

Got questions about this Mean-Green-Detox-Vegetable-Soup? I figured you might! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked. Hopefully, this clears things up!

Can I freeze this soup?

Absolutely! This soup freezes like a dream. Just let it cool completely, then pour it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Make sure to leave a little room at the top, because the soup will expand as it freezes. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw it overnight in the fridge or pop it straight into a pot and heat it up on the stove. Easy peasy!

How long does this soup last?

In the fridge, this Mean-Green-Detox-Vegetable-Soup will last for about 3 days. After that, the veggies might start to get a little mushy. So, if you’re not planning on eating it within 3 days, definitely freeze it!

Can I add other vegetables?

Of course, you can! This soup is super versatile. Feel free to add any veggies you like. Some of my favorites are zucchini, bell peppers, and green beans. Just make sure you chop them into similar sizes so they cook evenly. Get creative and have fun with it!

Is this soup spicy?

It can be! The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which gives it a little kick. But if you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can definitely reduce the amount or leave it out altogether. Or, if you’re feeling brave, add more! It’s all about adjusting it to your own taste. Just remember to taste as you go!

Nutritional Information for Mean-Green-Detox-Vegetable-Soup

Okay, so everyone *always* asks about the nutrition facts. Here’s the deal: I’m not a nutritionist, and honestly, the nutrition info for this Mean-Green-Detox-Vegetable-Soup can vary a LOT depending on the exact ingredients you use. Different brands of broth, different sizes of veggies…it all adds up!

So, I can’t give you an exact number. Just know that this soup is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and it’s super good for you! But if you *really* want to know the precise nutritional info, I’d recommend plugging the ingredients you used into a nutrition calculator online. That’ll give you the most accurate estimate!

Enjoyed This Mean-Green-Detox-Vegetable-Soup Recipe?

Yay! I’m so glad! If you loved this Mean-Green-Detox-Vegetable-Soup as much as I do, please leave a comment below and let me know! Seriously, I love hearing from you guys. Oh, and don’t forget to rate the recipe! And, if you’re feeling extra generous, share it with your friends on social media. Thanks so much for stopping by!

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