Slow Cooker Ginger Turmeric Root Vegetable Soup

📝Shopping list

To make this healthy soup recipe you will need:

• Onion - large dice
• Carrots - large dice
• Celery - large dice
• Parsnips - large dice
• Turnips - large dice
• Baby Potatoes - halved
• Fresh garlic cloves - minced
• Lemon - juiced
• Ginger - grated
• Salt
• Turmeric - ground
• Black pepper
• Vegetable Broth
• Full fat coconut milk (optional)

💜Why You Will Love This Recipe

This great soup recipe is both comforting and nourishing.  I love the bright yellow color ground turmeric powder brings to each serving.  It is a real show-stopper!

However, this soup is more than just another pretty bowl.  The root vegetables are full of vitamins and minerals.  In addition, ginger and turmeric are believed to help relieve pain, decrease nausea, boost digestion, and enhance immunity.   

Like ginger carrot soup and cauliflower soup, this healthy vegetable soup recipe uses coconut milk.  This adds extra creaminess while keeping it dairy-free.  

Preparing your slow cooker

Prepare your slow cooker by coating it with a non-stick agent.   Any nonstick cooking spray or oil will work. Olive oil and avocado oil are my go-to coatings. 

 NOTE: some slow cooker inserts come with a nonstick surface.  Use of a non-stick agent is still suggested. However, oil is sometimes recommended rather than spray to protect the longevity of the non-stick surface.  Check the manual for your slow cooker if you have any concerns. 

Alternatively, you can choose to use a slow cooker liner.  

Cooking instructions

• 🥕Start by cutting your celery, onion, carrots, parsnips, and turnips into large pieces that are all roughly the same size.  To keep it uniform, cutting baby potatoes in half is a good idea too. 
• 🥕Add the cut veggies, grated ginger, minced garlic, lemon juice, seasonings, and broth to a greased slow cooker and stir to combine.  
• 🥕Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours.  Your soup is ready for the next step when all the vegetables can be easily pierced with a fork
• 🥕About 15 minutes before serving, taste the soup and add salt or pepper if needed.  Mix in coconut milk and cover, allowing the soup to heat back up.  Serve and enjoy!

🍽Serving suggestions

Some easy ways to elevate this soup include:

• Crunchy toppings: Top your soup with some toasted bread crumbs, sesame seeds, or sunflower seeds to mix up the texture a bit
• Go dairy: A dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of sour cream will add an extra creamy and tangy bite. 
• Add protein: Serve with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more substantial meal.
• Go withs: Pair crusty bread, a crisp side salad, or a cool sandwich with this healing soup to round out your meal.
• Special presentation: try serving this perfect soup in a bread bowl for a fun twist. 

🔁Substitutions

1. Butternut squash, sweet potatoes, or pumpkin can all be swapped with or added to the veggies in this soup
2. Use minced jarred garlic or garlic powder in place of fresh garlic, if that is what you have on hand
3. Ground ginger can be swapped for fresh ginger.
4. Chicken broth or chicken bone broth can be used in place of veggie broth for a richer soup. Assuming you aren't concerned with keeping it vegan or vegetarian.
5. Cashew cream or heavy (dairy) cream can be used in place of coconut milk.

Please note that all substitutions listed are great options but will change the flavor of the finished product.  

😉Hints & hacks

1. This is one of those slow cooker recipes that is great if your people will be eating at different times. After cook time, turn your slow cooker to warm, and everyone can have a hot and filling meal - anytime.
2. To meal prep this easy weeknight dinner in advance, mix together all ingredients other than the coconut milk.   Store in an airtight container or zipper-top bag in the refrigerator until you are ready to slow cook.    
3. The perfect way to store leftovers of this slow cooker recipe is in individual serving-sized containers.  This makes for easy grab-and-go future meals with health benefits! 
4. I always recommend the use of a slow cooker liner. Of course, this is an optional step. I like to purchase my liners in bulk for a less expensive per-piece price.
5. To keep things extra lazy, use pre-cut fresh or frozen vegetables.  These are readily available in most markets any time of year.  
6. In the market for a new slow cooker? I love mine.
7. Don't forget to plug your slow cooker in and turn it on! 😏