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Copyright © 2025 Foodies Only
6 Min
15/10/2025
Soups and warm beverages are what one needs during monsoons. This article explores soups beyond your regular chai that can help boost your immunity, especially during monsoons. From rasam to tulsi-tomato shorba to bone broth, dive deeper to know more.
The cold winds slowly start creeping, along with the rains during September and October, and that’s when immunity takes a dip. Your body becomes more prone to seasonal flu, colds, and fatigue. This weather transition, from humid mornings to chilly nights, can affect your immune system, and soups can serve as a perfect remedy. They hydrate, nourish, and warm the body from within. Indian households have always known these recipes: rasam, saaru, shorba, and they are not just meals; they are medicinal tonics in disguise. Most immunity-boosting soups contain antioxidants, Vitamin C, and spices that not only increase metabolism but also protect the body against infection. Read this article to learn how to sip smart and keep your body protected this September.
Rasam is the OG preventive measure for flu. It is made with tamarind, tomato, garlic, and black pepper. It is tangy, spicy, and clears nasal congestion while also aiding digestion. The star ingredient in this recipe is black pepper, rich in piperine, which enhances the absorption of curcumin from turmeric, another key ingredient for the immune system. A hot bowl of rasam not only helps your sinuses but also gives your gut the boost it needs. In Ayurveda, rasam is considered ushna (warming), which helps to keep the perfect balance of kapdha during humid and cold months.
Saaru is Karnataka’s version of rasam, but it is more filling and heartier. It blends lentil stock with a spice mix of cumin, coriander, and mustard seeds. What makes saaru stand out is its toor dal base, rich in plant protein and folate, making it perfect for restoring energy levels after a fever or viral fatigue. The aroma of curry leaves and hing adds depth to the soup, which soothes the senses. Saaru can be paired with hot rice, or you can also choose to sip it like a light broth.
Tulsi (holy basil) is a powerful adaptogen, known for fighting respiratory infections, while ripe tomatoes have antioxidants and Vitamin C. Add a hint of ginger and cumin to these two ingredients, and you'll have a refreshing and healing soup similar to shorbs. The tang of tomato balances Tulsi’s bitterness and creates a broth that is vibrant and refreshing. This shorba is perfect for sipping after a long day in the rain or even before any event or meeting, where you cannot afford to sneeze!
Bone broth is made by slowly simmering for hours, extracting collagen, minerals, and amino acids from bones, which is a true superfood, even before the term existed. It supports gut health, joint strength, and immune repair, making it the perfect flu-prevention tonic. When made with garlic, ginger, and black pepper, it becomes a remedy for all cures. Traditional Indian households often prepared mutton or chicken broth for recovery from illness, and it is still one of the most bioavailable sources of nourishment you can sip.
This soup is simple, light, and fuss-free, making it your go-to when your appetite is low but you need something warming. To make this, you need a mix of carrots, beans, cabbage, and celery to create a vitamin-rich base, and garlic and pepper play the role of immune-boosting. Garlic’s allicin compound has antiviral properties, and pepper improves circulation, making it a combination that is functional as well as flavourful. Sip this soup steaming hot, perhaps paired with a side of toast or enjoyed on its own.
Turmeric and ginger are the dynamic duo of natural medicine. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory benefits thanks to curcumin, while ginger soothes sore throats and improves digestion. Add a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of black salt, and you have a tonic that is similar to any pharmacy remedy. This broth is great for early mornings when your throat is scratchy, and it can also help you wind down before bed. Turmeric-ginger broth is the desi version of the West’s immunity shot, but way tastier.
If you combine Japanese miso (fermented soybean paste) with South Indian rasam spices, you get this version, which is a probiotic-rich, spicy-savoury soup that boosts gut health and immunity in one go. Miso brings umami depth and beneficial bacteria, while tamarind, garlic, and curry leaves give the nostalgic rasam comfort. This soup is a cross-cultural hug in a bowl, the kind that tastes traditional yet trend-forward. You can serve it warm with steamed rice or sip it plain for a light, healing meal.
These soups are not new for Indian households; they have been made in the kitchens for centuries, but their importance has grown over time. They are proof that Indian spices are not only for the flavour but also for the nourishment of the soul and body. From tulsi-tomato shorba to bone broth, these soups will keep you not only keep your body in check but also boost your immune system.
