Spices and herbs that can level up the taste and health of soups

Winters call for some hearty indulgence, and what can be better than diving into a warm bowl of soup or a stew? Interestingly, most of us end up adding fad ingredients, condiments, seasonings, and packaged spice mixes to accentuate the taste of soups, broths, and stews, which amp up the taste but miss out on the nutrition. Well, if you too want to make your soups and stews tasty as well as healthy without additive-laden spice mixes and condiments, then here are some age-old spices and herbs that can naturally improve the taste as well as the health quotient of the soups and broths.
Thyme
Thyme is a classic herb, which has been the secret ingredient in so many traditional recipes. Loved for its aroma and slightly sweet flavor that works well with a wide variety of ingredients, especially in soups or tomato-based stews. Thyme can also stand up to long cooking times, making it a perfect choice for dishes that simmer for hours. Add fresh or dried thyme early in the cooking process so its full flavor infuses into the broth.
Bay leaves
Bay leaves make for a perfect addition to any soup, broth, or stew; this is because of their umpteen health benefits and potent properties. Adding bay leaves can instantly amp up the aroma of the soup; however, these leaves are mostly discarded right after making the flavor is absorbed in the broth or stew. Just add 1-2 bay leaves to your pot at the beginning of the cooking process. Be sure to remove them before serving and enjoy hearty soups in the comfort of your home.

Cumin
Cumin, also known as jeera, is a quintessential Indian spice that adds a distinctive warmth and depth to soups and stews. Its robust, slightly smoky flavor makes it ideal for soups, stews, and broths. Cumin enhances the taste and health quotient of the delicacy. Add roasted whole cumin seeds in a dry pan for a minute or two to release their essential oils and ensure that the soups and broths are delightful as well as healthy. Cumin seeds help in boosting metabolic health.
Garlic
Garlic is another quintessential ingredient used across the world for its strong aromatic flavor, unique taste, and health quotient. Rich in antioxidants and other nutrients, the mere addition of garlic to the delicacies can improve the taste and experience of soups and stews. Garlic adds complexity and depth, and when sautéed or simmered slowly and garlic becomes mushy and sweet, which creates a perfect base for most hearty dishes. Chop or crush garlic cloves and sauté them with onions and other spices and herbs to give a nice taste and texture to the soups.

Rosemary
Rosemary is a bold herb with a strong, distinct flavor that pairs wonderfully with rich, hearty stews. Its robust, almost piney taste works best when combined with meaty dishes, especially meaty soups and delicacies. In fact, the natural oils of these leaves make it great for soups that need a little extra punch of taste and freshness. Just add fresh or dried rosemary sprigs, either whole or minced, and add them to the powder. If you are using sprigs, add them to your pot early in the cooking process and remove them before serving. Rosemary complements roasted vegetables, potatoes, and stews with meats.
Turmeric
Turmeric is loved for its golden color and strong flavor that are ideal for soups and stews that need an earthy taste and flavor. Not only does turmeric add depth of flavor and color to the soups and stews, but at the same time the presence of curcumin in turmeric makes it a potent addition to the delicacies that help in boosting the health quotient as well as the taste experience of the soups and broths.