Nourishing Adzuki Bean, Chicken, and Kale Soup | A Lunch to Improve Your Fertility Window

Follicular Phase Recipe | Nutritious Lunch Idea

Feeds: 2 | Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 25 mins

Too busy to think about nutritional lunch choices, especially during your fertility window in the follicular phase? Let me make it easy for you!

This warming and wholesome adzuki bean, chicken, and kale soup is packed with goodness, leaving you feeling well-fed, nourished, and invigorated—perfect for supporting your body during the fertility window. 

Whether made from leftover roast chicken or prepared in large batches for the week, this soup is a quick, convenient way to enjoy a healthy, nutrient-rich lunch. By incorporating ingredients like adzuki beans and kale, which are beneficial for the follicular phase, this meal supports hormone health and helps your body prepare for ovulation.

So why not try this delicious soup today and enjoy the nourishment it brings to your plate and your well-being during this crucial phase of your cycle?

Ingredients

When thinking about foods to eat to boost fertility, it's essential to focus on nutrient-rich options that support hormonal balance and overall reproductive health. During the fertility window, your body prepares for ovulation, making it a crucial time to nourish yourself with ingredients that aid in cell regeneration, energy production, and healthy blood flow. 

This recipe combines the benefits of adzuki beans, kale, and chicken—all of which provide essential nutrients like iron, protein, and folate. These ingredients support your body’s natural processes, enhancing fertility and preparing your body for ovulation.

• 2 tbsp olive oil – A healthy fat that aids in nutrient absorption

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed – Supports immune health and adds flavour

• Small bunch coriander, finely chopped (plus extra to serve) – Rich in antioxidants and flavour

• Zest and juice of 1 lime – Adds a refreshing acidity and boosts vitamin C

• 2 tsp ground cumin – Offers warming spice and supports digestion

• 1 tin chopped tomatoes – Provides lycopene and supports heart health

• 200g cooked adzuki beans, rinsed and drained – A good plant-based protein and fibre source

• 300ml chicken stock – Adds depth of flavour and essential minerals

• 100g kale, thick stalks removed, leaves shredded – Rich in iron, calcium, and other nutrients that support fertility

• 125g roasted/cooked chicken – A lean protein contributing to muscle maintenance and tissue repair

Step-by-Step Lunch Preparation 

When focusing on natural fertility boosters, you must time your nutrient intake effectively. The fertility window is the optimal time for conception, typically occurring a few days before ovulation. 

While tools like an ovulation calculator can help track this period, choosing the right foods to eat to boost fertility during this time is equally important. Ingredients like adzuki beans, kale, and lean protein are prime examples of what to eat to get pregnant faster.

These nutrient-dense foods provide the body with essential vitamins and minerals that support hormone regulation, improve egg quality, and promote healthy blood flow, all crucial in preparing for ovulation and conception.

Follow these simple steps to prepare this hearty, fertility-friendly soup: 

1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan and fry the garlic, coriander, cumin, and lime zest for 2 minutes, until the spices release their fragrance.

2. Add the base ingredients: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, adzuki beans, and chicken stock. Cover with a lid and bring to a boil. For a thicker consistency, gently crush the beans against the side of the pan.

3. Add the kale and chicken: Add the shredded kale to the soup and cook for about 5 minutes until tender. Tear the cooked chicken into the soup and heat through thoroughly.

4. Season and serve: Adjust the flavour with salt, pepper, and lime juice to taste. Serve the soup in bowls, sprinkling extra coriander leaves for garnish.

Tips and Variations

• You can replace kale with spinach for a milder flavour or add extra vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for more fibre and nutrients.

• This soup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to three days, making it an excellent option for meal prep during your fertility window in the follicular phase.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

For those of you who like to crunch the numbers (pun intended!), here’s the nutritional info to keep your health stats in check.

• Calories: Approximately 350 kcal

• Fat: 15g

• Carbohydrates: 25g

• Protein: 30g

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