Clear Drumstick & Ginger Soup
This light, hydrating, and nourishing Clear Drumstick & Ginger Soup is a comforting and easy-to-digest starter or light meal. The drumstick pods release their unique flavor and nutrients, creating a soothing broth.
For 2 servings
Prepare the ingredients: Wash the drumstick pods thoroughly, trim off the fibrous ends, and cut them into approximately 2-inch long pieces. Mince the garlic and ginger finely.
Sauté aromatics: In a medium-sized pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let them brown.
Add broth and drumstick: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the cut drumstick pieces to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Simmer until tender: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the drumstick pods are very tender and the pulp inside can be easily scraped out.
Season the soup: Remove the lid and season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed to your preference.
Finish and serve: Stir in the fresh lime juice. Ladle the hot soup into individual bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, if desired, and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Drumstick Selection: Choose drumstick pods that are firm, bright green, and free from blemishes. Younger, thinner pods tend to be more tender and less fibrous.
- 2Extracting Pulp: While eating, you can gently scrape the soft, nutrient-rich pulp from inside the cooked drumstick pods with a spoon or your teeth, discarding the fibrous outer skin.
- 3Broth Quality Matters: Using a high-quality vegetable broth or homemade stock will significantly enhance the depth of flavor in this simple soup.
- 4Ginger Freshness: Always opt for fresh ginger and mince it just before use for the most potent aroma and flavor; pre-minced jarred ginger often lacks the same vibrancy.
Adapt it for your goals.
Added Vegetables
For extra nutrients and texture, add thinly sliced carrots, spinach, or mushrooms during the last 5-7 minutes of simmering.
Protein BoostProtein Boost
To make it a heartier meal, stir in cooked shredded chicken, pan-fried tofu cubes, or a handful of cooked lentils towards the end of the cooking process.
Spicier KickSpicier Kick
If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red chili flakes or a thinly sliced green chili along with the ginger and garlic.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Nutrients
Drumstick pods are a good source of vitamins (C, B complex) and essential minerals like iron, calcium, and potassium, contributing to overall health and immunity.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Ginger contains gingerol, a powerful bioactive compound with significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help reduce pain and inflammation in the body.
Digestive Aid
Both ginger and drumstick are traditionally known for their digestive benefits, helping to soothe the stomach, reduce bloating, and promote healthy gut function, making this soup easy to digest.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen drumstick pods. There's no need to thaw them; simply add them directly to the simmering broth and cook until they are tender.
