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A bowl of Mediterranean Cleansing Green Detox Soup with olive oil garnish.

Mediterranean Cleansing Green Detox Soup

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer, Lunch, Soup
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 142
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 large Leek white and light green parts only, sliced
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 2 medium Zucchinis chopped
  • 2 cups Broccoli florets
  • 4 cups Vegetable Broth low sodium
  • 2 cups Fresh Spinach or Kale
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Parsley
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Sauté: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add leeks and cook until softened (about 5 mins). Add garlic and cook for 1 min until fragrant.
  2. Simmer: Add zucchini and broccoli. Pour in the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 mins or until vegetables are tender.
  3. Greens: Stir in the spinach (or kale) and parsley. Cook for just 2 minutes until wilted but still bright green.
  4. Blend: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
  5. Finish: Stir in lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm with a drizzle of olive oil.

Notes

  • Keep it Vibrant: Add the spinach and parsley at the very last minute of cooking. Over-simmering turns the soup army-brown instead of bright, detoxifying green.
  • The "Acid" Rule: Always add the lemon juice after removing the pot from the heat. Cooking the juice can make it taste bitter rather than bright.
  • Texture Control: For a velvety finish, blend for a full 2 minutes. If you prefer a rustic "chowder" feel, pulse the blender only 4–5 times.
  • Sodium Hack: Use low-sodium vegetable broth or homemade stock. This prevents water retention, which is key for a "cleansing" effect.
  • Sauté, Don’t Brown: Cook leeks on medium-low. You want them translucent and sweet, not caramelized or burnt, to keep the flavor profile clean.
     
  • Creamy Without Dairy: Blending the zucchini and broccoli creates a naturally "creamy" mouthfeel without the need for heavy cream or coconut milk.