Hippocrates Soup Recipe

Hippocrates, often called the father of medicine, had some pretty radical ideas for his time-many of which are still relevant today. One of his most notable recommendations was that ’let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.’ This notion underpins what we now refer to as the "Hippocrates Soup." It’s an age-old recipe designed to nourish and detoxify the body while providing an abundance of essential nutrients. The soup has become a symbol of holistic health and wellness, encapsulating the idea that what we eat plays a crucial role in our overall well-being.

Whether you’re on a health reset, trying to improve digestion, or just want a comforting, nutrient-packed meal, Hippocrates Soup is a timeless choice. Packed with vegetables, herbs, and easily digestible ingredients, it’s not just delicious but also functional in promoting a healthy gut and immune system.

Let’s break it all down-from the ingredients to the cooking process and expert tips.

This soup isn’t just another dish you whip up for dinner-it’s a health-boosting powerhouse. Imagine an aromatic, broth-based creation that combines fresh vegetables, herbs, and a few additional ingredients meant to fortify your body. With roots in ancient Greek philosophy, it blends nourishment with the art of healing.

Here’s the classic version of Hippocrates Soup, as typically made in modern kitchens:

Ingredients Needed

The list of ingredients is deceptively simple, but each item plays a role in the overall balance and healing potential of the dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

Carrots (2 large): Carrots bring natural sweetness, high levels of vitamin A, and are great for digestion.
Celery (2-3 stalks): Rich in antioxidants and electrolytes, celery supports hydration and detoxification.
Onion (1 large): Onions are full of sulfur compounds and antioxidants, which help with detox and immune support.
Garlic (3 cloves): Known for its antimicrobial properties, garlic adds flavor and fights infections.
Cabbage (1/2 medium head): Cabbage is high in fiber and vitamin C, which promotes gut health and boosts the immune system.
Tomatoes (2 medium): These contribute a fresh, slightly tangy flavor while offering lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.
Zucchini (1 medium): Zucchini provides moisture, fiber, and helps to bind the soup together without overwhelming the other flavors.
Kale or Spinach (2 cups): Rich in vitamins A, C, K, and minerals like calcium and iron, leafy greens are a crucial part of the recipe.
Lemon (1): The acidity of lemon brightens the soup and adds a burst of vitamin C.
Fresh herbs: Thyme, parsley, and bay leaves (2-3 sprigs or a few leaves of each) give the soup an herbal, earthy depth.
Sea salt: Adds flavor, but also helps with mineral balance.
Water (8-10 cups): Acts as the base for the broth, allowing all the flavors to meld and infuse the soup with health-promoting properties.

Cooking Instructions

Ready to roll up your sleeves and make this healing soup? Here’s the step-by-step guide:

Prep The Vegetables
- Peel and chop the carrots into small pieces.
- Slice the celery, dice the onion, and chop the zucchini into half-moons.
- Cut the cabbage into bite-sized chunks.
- Mince the garlic and coarsely chop the kale or spinach.
Sauté The Aromatics
- In a large stockpot, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and soft.
- Stir in the carrots and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
Simmer The Broth
- Pour in the water and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Add The Remaining Ingredients
- Add the zucchini, cabbage, tomatoes, and leafy greens. Stir everything in.
- Add the herbs (bay leaves, thyme, parsley), salt, and juice from the lemon.
- Continue to simmer for an additional 20 minutes, allowing all the flavors to marry.
Taste And Adjust
- After simmering, taste the soup. You may want to add a bit more salt, or perhaps a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a little heat.
Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls. If you’d like, you can garnish with extra fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for added brightness.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this soup isn’t just there for flavor-it has a specific health benefit, which is why this recipe has stood the test of time:

Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body. This vitamin is vital for eye health, immune function, and skin repair.
Celery: A hydrating vegetable full of potassium and sodium that helps maintain a proper electrolyte balance, especially if you’re feeling sluggish.
Garlic: Contains allicin, a sulfur compound that has been linked to antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and even anti-cancer properties.
Cabbage: Packed with fiber to aid digestion, cabbage also contains glucosinolates, compounds that may help detoxify the liver and improve overall gut health.
Tomatoes: Full of lycopene, an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.
Leafy Greens: Rich in vitamins and minerals like folate, iron, and calcium, which are crucial for bone health, blood circulation, and cellular function.

Expert Tips

If you want to elevate the experience of making and eating Hippocrates Soup, here are a few pro tips:

Use bone broth: If you’re not vegan or vegetarian, consider replacing the water with bone broth. It adds a deeper, richer flavor and provides collagen and gelatin for joint health.
Make it spicy: If you’re a fan of spice, adding a bit of cayenne or fresh chili peppers will give the soup a nice kick, which also boosts metabolism.
Blend for creaminess: For a smooth, creamy texture, use an immersion blender (or transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender) and puree it to your desired consistency.
Batch cooking: Hippocrates Soup stores well and actually improves in flavor after a day or two. Make a big batch to enjoy for multiple meals or freeze portions for later.

Recipe Variations

While the classic Hippocrates Soup recipe is already bursting with flavor and nutrition, there are plenty of variations to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:

Vegan version: Skip the bone broth and stick with vegetable stock for a completely plant-based option.
Add some protein: If you want to make the soup more filling, consider adding cooked lentils, chickpeas, or even shredded chicken for some added protein.
More greens: Amp up the nutritional value by adding other dark leafy greens like Swiss chard, collard greens, or arugula.
Roast the vegetables: For a deeper, caramelized flavor, roast the carrots, onions, and zucchini before adding them to the soup.

Final Words

Hippocrates Soup is much more than just a meal-it’s a nourishing experience that aligns perfectly with modern-day wellness practices. It’s a go-to recipe for when you want to hit the reset button, supporting your body with fresh vegetables, healing herbs, and simple ingredients. The combination of anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, and digestive-supporting elements is hard to beat.

Hippocrates Soup Recipe