Eat less, feel more: Fasting soups are the perfect companion for anyone who wants to give their body a break. They’re warming, light, and make you feel good—no frills needed. In this article, we’ll show you just how versatile fasting soups can be: from classic recipes to versions inspired by Buchinger and even Hildegard’s herbal kitchen.
Fasting soup—a soothing companion for your fasting journey
Fasting isn’t just about skipping meals. It’s more like a little time-out—a pause, a chance to slow down. Especially during these phases, something warm and light feels extra good. That’s where fasting soup comes in.
A good fasting soup is like a hug from the inside. It’s light but nourishing, warms your belly, and is just right for this special time—never overwhelming. Instead of heavy food, you get clear veggie broths, gently cooked root veggies, and maybe a few herbs for a special touch of flavor.
Whether you’re doing a multi-day fasting cleanse, want to eat lighter on purpose, or just need a break from everyday life—fasting soups are simple, versatile, and super easy to fit into your routine. And: you can even prep them ahead or buy them ready-made if you’re short on time.
In this article, we’ll take you into the world of fasting soups: we’ll show you easy recipes, introduce you to the classic Buchinger soup, and take a look at Hildegard von Bingen’s ideas. Maybe you’ll find just the soup to get you through your next fasting period.
So what exactly is a fasting soup?
When people talk about fasting, a lot of folks think of strict deprivation—empty plates and growling stomachs. But fasting can look totally different: gentle, soothing, and even enjoyable. Fasting soup is a great middle ground. It’s easy to digest, warms you up, and is perfect for this special time—not too much, not too little.
At its simplest, a fasting soup is made from fresh veggies, water, and a bit of time. Carrots, celery, leeks, fennel, or parsnips are often the base. These ingredients are cooked slowly so their flavors and nutrients can really shine. Cream, butter, animal broths, or instant powders are left out—after all, fasting is about lightness and simplicity.
What makes fasting soup so special is how versatile it is: it can be totally clear, like a broth, or a bit creamier if you blend the cooked veggies. Spices like turmeric, ginger, or cumin can add gentle notes—just like fresh herbs, such as parsley or lovage. The key is to keep the soup easy on your stomach and not too heavy.
Many people who fast regularly describe fasting soup as a small daily ritual. A moment to slow down, eat mindfully, and notice how good simplicity can feel. Especially in the colder months, a warm soup brings a sense of comfort.
Whether you’re prepping for a fast, easing in gently, or just want a light dinner during a chill week—fasting soups are easy, soothing, and can be tweaked to your own taste. And sometimes, it’s this very simplicity that touches us the most.
Cooking fasting soup yourself—simple and nourishing
The best thing about fasting soup? You need so little—and get so much in return. No fancy ingredients or complicated steps required. In fact: the simpler, the better. Homemade fasting soup is not only fresher and more personal than store-bought, it also lets you really get into the process of cooking.
Here are a few basic ingredients you can use to make a classic fasting soup:
Typical ingredients for fasting soup:
- Root veggies: carrots, celery, parsnips, parsley root—they give the soup depth and sweetness
- Alliums: leek, onion, or a small clove of garlic for extra flavor
- Herbs: fresh parsley, lovage, or a bit of thyme—best added at the end
- Spices: turmeric, caraway, bay leaf, or ginger—anything light that’s easy on your stomach
- Water or clear veggie broth: the base for everything (homemade is ideal)
Here’s how it’s done—in just a few steps:
- Wash the veggies well and roughly chop them (no need to peel—lots of nutrients are right under the skin)
- Put everything in a big pot, cover with water, and slowly bring to a boil
- Add spices and herbs, then let it gently simmer for about 30–45 minutes
- Strain if you want a clear broth, or blend for a bit more substance
- Finish with some fresh parsley or a splash of lemon juice after cooking
Depending on whether you’re going fully liquid or want something to chew on now and then, you can strain the soup completely or eat the cooked veggies in small portions.
Tip: Make a big pot right away—then you’re set for a day or two and can just relax. That’s part of fasting too: less hassle, more mindfulness.
Hildegard’s fasting soup—fasting the old monastery way
When it comes to mindful, nature-based eating, you can’t really get around Hildegard von Bingen. The Benedictine nun from the 12th century was an impressive woman: mystic, herbalist, scholar—and one of the first to see body, mind, and soul as a single, inseparable unit.
Hildegard had a very special approach to fasting too. For her, giving things up wasn’t about strict rules, but a way to find inner clarity and reflect. Her fasting soups reflect exactly that attitude: simple ingredients, carefully chosen—with an eye on tradition, not just taste.
What’s typical for Hildegard’s kitchen is the use of spelt as the main grain. In her fasting soups, it can be added as fine meal or flakes to gently fill you up and warm your stomach. She also uses selected veggies like fennel, carrots, or celery—all ingredients that play a special role in Hildegard’s writings.
Her herb recommendations are especially characteristic. Galangal, for example—a spicy root that’s central in Hildegard’s teachings. Or Bertram, which she mentioned especially often in her texts. These spices don’t just add flavor, but also give the soup a unique character—if you follow Hildegard’s traditions.
A Hildegard fasting soup often tastes a bit more robust, more original—it asks for a bit more attention, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. It’s not a dish to eat while distracted, but a quiet little companion on your journey inward.
If you’re interested in trying a Hildegard-style fasting cure or just curious about her herbal wisdom, her fasting soup can be a wonderful way to start—simple, natural, and deeply rooted in a centuries-old tradition.
Fasting soup in everyday life—buy ready-made or make it yourself?
Not everyone has the time or energy to cook a fresh soup every day—especially when life is busy or you’re fasting during a work week. Luckily, there are now ready-made fasting soups that can be a practical alternative. But how good are they really?
The answer: It depends. Ready-made soups can definitely make sense—especially if the ingredient list is short and easy to understand. Look for organic quality, no additives, and as little salt as possible. Good products are the ones that taste almost homemade—just in a bottle or jar.
A few well-known brands that offer fasting soups are dm, Rossmann, and smaller makers like Little Lunch. Clear veggie broths or spelt-based soups are especially popular—sometimes even inspired by Hildegard von Bingen.
If you want to be sure, though, it’s still worth making it yourself. It’s cheaper, you know exactly what’s in it—and maybe making soup will even become a little fasting ritual for you.
Here’s a quick comparison of both options:
Homemade
- fresh, personal, budget-friendly
- you control the taste and ingredients
- takes a bit of time and planning
Ready-made
- ideal for on the go or busy days
- ready to use right away
- quality varies—worth taking a closer look
Whether you go for homemade or ready-made: it’s your journey, your fasting time. What matters is that you feel good. Sometimes simple is best. And sometimes, that’s the greatest comfort.
Conclusion: Less is more—fasting soup as a mindful ritual
Fasting soup is so much more than just a simple meal. It’s a symbol of clarity, simplicity, and mindfulness—a little anchor in times when we often want too much, live too fast, and rarely pause.
Whether as a start to a fasting cure, a mindful break in between, or a daily ritual during a time of change—a clear, lovingly prepared soup can remind us that you often don’t need much to feel good.
Sometimes all it takes is a spoonful of warmth, a moment of peace, a bowl full of simplicity.
Fasting soups connect old traditions with modern needs. They give structure to your day and invite you to slow down. Whether you go for a classic Buchinger recipe, try out Hildegard’s herbal kitchen, or just create your own soup: it’s not about perfection. It’s about feeling, simplifying, and getting back to what really matters. Check out our spelt products and herbs inspired by Hildegard’s teachings.
Maybe your next soup will be the first step to a lighter, easier everyday life.
