Mediterranean Detox Southwest Soup

🌶️ Mediterranean Detox Southwest Soup

🛒 Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 green bell pepper, chopped

• 2 celery stalks, sliced

• 1 zucchini, diced

• 1 cup chopped cabbage or kale

• 1 can (400 g) diced tomatoes

• 1 cup cooked chickpeas or black beans (Mediterranean-friendly protein)

• 4 cups vegetable broth or water

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp paprika (smoked if possible)

• ½ tsp chili powder (optional)

• ½ tsp oregano

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

---

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Sauté the base
   Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft.
   Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.

2. Add vegetables
   Add peppers, celery, zucchini, and cabbage. Cook 5 minutes, stirring.

3. Spice it up
   Add cumin, paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well.

4. Simmer
   Add diced tomatoes, chickpeas, and broth.
   Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 25–30 minutes.

5. Finish fresh
   Turn off heat and stir in lemon juice.
   Taste and adjust seasoning.

---

🍋 How to Enjoy It

• Eat a bowl as a light lunch or dinner

• Pair with Greek yogurt or a small salad

• Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil before serving

---

🌱 Why People Love This Soup

• Low calorie, high fiber

• Naturally filling

• Anti-inflammatory spices

• Mediterranean-friendly & heart-healthy

---

🔄 Variations

• Protein boost: Add shredded chicken or lentils

• Low-carb: Skip beans, add more zucchini & cabbage

• Spicy detox: Add cayenne or jalapeño

• Creamy: Blend half the soup and mix back in