My journey to finding the perfect gut-healing vegan broth began several years ago. At a time when I was thriving as a vegetarian and savoring all the bounty of plant-based yumminess. While in recent years, I’ve made the intuitive decision to add meat back into my diet, I recently felt a shift in my body’s desire for a more plant-focused way of eating. My body has been craving its veggies!
With me slowly returning to my veggie roots, I’ve been focused on finding nourishing ways to support my gut health, which often means eating LOTS of veggies.
One of the most enriching discoveries I’ve made is the incredible healing power of vegan broths. Chock full of vibrant vegetables, medicinal herbs, and powerful spices, these broths offer a wonderful, nutrient-dense alternative to traditional bone broths.
Join me as I share a broth recipe for a gut-healing vegan broth that has become a cornerstone of my journey back to a plant-based diet. This broth not only supports digestive health but also provides a comforting and delicious way to nourish your body from the inside out.
This post is all about “Gut-healing Vegan Broth”.
Looking for more than just vegan soups? Check out my other post on gut-healing soups that includes some of my favorite vegetarian AND non-vegetarian soup options.
Key Takeaways
- Gut-healing veggie broth is a powerful, plant-based alternative to bone broth, packed with nutrients that support digestive health, boost immunity, and promote overall wellness.
- The key ingredients in this broth – including a vegetable base, healing herbs and spices, seaweed, and medicinal mushrooms – work synergistically to provide a wide range of health benefits.
- Incorporating this versatile broth into your diet is easy and delicious – drink it as a warm beverage, use it as a base for gut-healthy soups and stews, or add it to grain dishes for an extra nutrition boost.
Why Vegan “Bone” Broth vs. Regular Bone Broth?
With the rise of bone broth in health circles, many are left wondering if there’s a vegan alternative that offers the same gut-healing benefits. Spoiler alert: there is! Vegan broths can be incredibly nourishing, gut-healing, and packed with immune-boosting properties. Let’s dive into the world of vegan broths and discover why they might just be better than their animal-based counterparts.
Importance of Vegetable Broth for Gut Health
Understanding the importance of gut health has been a game-changer for me. Our gut is often called the “second brain” because it plays such a crucial role in our overall well-being. A healthy gut not only aids in digestion but also supports our immune system, mental health, and even our energy levels. When our gut is happy, it reflects in our mood, skin, and overall vitality.
As I navigated my way back to a more vegan-centered diet, I realized how essential it was to focus on gut health. Nourishing the gut with wholesome, plant-based ingredients can make a significant difference. It’s amazing how much better you can feel when your gut is in balance.
Incorporating this gut-healing vegan broth into my diet has been a delightful and transformative experience. Whether you’re already on a plant-based journey or just curious about ways to support your gut, this broth is a wonderful addition to your wellness routine.
How to Make Gut-Healing Vegan Broth Soup
Get ready to nourish your body from the inside out with this powerhouse of a vegan broth. Packed with gut-loving ingredients and bursting with flavor, this recipe is not just a treat for your taste buds but a gift to your digestive system.
Key Soup Ingredients
- Vegetable Base: Our powerhouse trio of carrots, celery, and onions forms the foundation of this healing broth. Carrots bring beta-carotene and antioxidants to the party, while celery offers natural sodium and anti-inflammatory properties. Onions round out the mix with prebiotic fibers and immune-boosting quercetin. Together, they create a flavorful base that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
- Healing Herbs and Spices: Turmeric, ginger, and garlic are the star players in our herbal lineup. Turmeric’s active compound, curcumin, is a potent anti-inflammatory that supports gut health. Ginger soothes the digestive system and reduces inflammation, while garlic acts as a natural prebiotic, feeding the good bacteria in your gut. This powerful trio works synergistically to promote overall digestive wellness.
- Seaweed: Don’t be scared off by this sea vegetable. Seaweed, like kombu or wakame, is a nutritional powerhouse. Rich in minerals like iodine, iron, and calcium, it supports thyroid function and overall health. Plus, its prebiotic fibers feed your beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a healthy microbiome. It also adds a subtle umami flavor that deepens the broth’s taste profile.
- Medicinal Mushrooms: Reishi and shiitake mushrooms aren’t just for fancy risottos. These fungi are adaptogens, helping your body manage stress and supporting immune function. Shiitakes are particularly noted for their gut-healing properties, while reishi has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. Both contribute to the broth’s earthy flavor and pack a serious nutritional punch.
By combining these key ingredients, we’re creating a broth that’s not just a tasty base for soups and stews, but a therapeutic drink in its own right. Each sip delivers a dose of nature’s medicine, specially formulated to support your gut health and overall well-being.
Gut-Healing Vegan Broth Soup Recipe
The great thing about this delicious and nutritious soup is your ability to change up the recipe depending on what veggies you have on hand. We provide a recipe guide that can be used as a “base” recipe but feel free to experiment and try different vegetables and flavors.
Ingredients:
- 3 medium carrots
- 4 large celery sticks
- 2 onions (with skins, sliced in half)
- 1 sweet potato
- 1 head of garlic (sliced in half)
- 1 tablespoon peppercorns
- Small handful of fresh herbs (i.e- parsley, thyme, rosemary, cilantro)
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 1-1 1/2 cups mushrooms (mix of shiitake mushrooms and reishi)
- 1 small piece of turmeric (sliced in half)
- 2-3 inch piece of ginger root (sliced thin)
- 2-3 pieces of kombu seaweed
- 16 cups of water
Directions:
- Prep the Vegetables: Scrub and chop the vegetables. Leave the onion skins on and slice the garlic bulb in half.
- Combine Ingredients: Add all the ingredients to a large stockpot and cover with 16 cups of water.
- Cook the Broth: Cover the pot, bring to a boil, then slide the lid halfway off and simmer for about an hour (or longer if desired). I generally stop at the hour mark, but feel free to taste and adjust the time if needed.
- Strain and Store: Once done, let the broth cool and strain through a fine mesh strainer into another pot. Store in sterilized glass jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Incorporating Gut Healing Vegan Broth into Your Diet
Start your day with a warm mug of broth, sipping it like a comforting tea to kickstart your digestion and flood your body with nutrients. It’s the perfect alternative to your morning coffee, offering sustained energy without the caffeine crash.
When lunchtime rolls around, use the broth as a flavorful base for hearty soups and stews. It adds depth and nutrition to any recipe, turning a simple vegetable soup into a gut-healing meal.
Don’t stop there – elevate your grain dishes by swapping plain water for this nutrient-rich broth when cooking rice, quinoa, or other grains. The result? Grains infused with flavor and extra nutritional benefits.
Whether you’re battling a cold, recovering from a workout, or simply looking to boost your daily nutrition, this gut-healing vegan broth is your new secret weapon for vibrant health.
Final Thoughts
Embrace the nourishing power of plants with this gut-healing vegan broth. It’s a delicious, nutrient-dense alternative to bone broth that supports overall health, especially gut health. Enjoy it plain, with a splash of miso, or as a base for soups and stews. Cheers to your health and happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vegan broth a good source of collagen?
While vegan broth doesn’t contain collagen directly, it provides nutrients that support your body’s natural collagen production, such as vitamin C and amino acids from plant sources.
How long does homemade vegan broth last?
Homemade vegan broth typically lasts 3-4 days in the refrigerator or can be frozen for longer storage.
Can I add miso to my vegan broth?
Yes, adding miso to your vegan broth can enhance its flavor and provide additional probiotics for gut health. Just be sure to add it after cooking to preserve its beneficial properties.
Is this broth suitable for those on an elimination diet?
This broth can be adapted for many elimination diets, but always check with your healthcare provider and adjust ingredients as needed to suit your specific dietary requirements.
How does this broth support gut health?
The ingredients in this broth provide anti-inflammatory compounds, prebiotic fibers, and nutrients that support the growth of healthy gut bacteria and help soothe the digestive system.
Can I use a slow cooker or Instant Pot to make this broth?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Adjust cooking times accordingly – typically 2-3 hours on high or 4-6 hours on low for a slow cooker, or about 30 minutes at high pressure in an Instant Pot.
