Quinoa Vegetable Soup is one of those comforting dishes that warms the heart and nourishes the body. This flavorful and hearty soup is packed with vibrant vegetables, making it not only an appealing choice for easy weeknight dinners but also a perfect solution for chilly days when all you want is something cozy and delicious. Each spoonful offers a symphony of flavors and textures, thanks to the combination of quinoa, beans, and a variety of vegetables, while the aromatic herbs infuse the broth with mouthwatering depth.
Eating well doesn’t have to be complicated. This soup comes together effortlessly and can easily be customized to your liking. Whether you’re a busy professional, a tired parent, or simply someone looking for a nutritious option, making this soup is as easy as it gets. Your kitchen will smell divine while it simmers away, filling your home with the essence of comfort food, making it an instant hit with family and friends. Plus, with its wholesome ingredients, you can feel good about what you’re feeding your loved ones.
Why You’ll Love This Flavorful Quinoa Vegetable Soup
- Nutritious: Loaded with vitamins and minerals from a colorful variety of vegetables.
- Hearty: Quinoa and beans provide substantial protein and fiber, keeping you fuller for longer.
- Quick to Prepare: This recipe is simple and can be made in just under an hour.
- Customizable: You can swap in your favorite seasonal vegetables.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Makes excellent leftovers ideal for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
- Family-Friendly: A tasty choice that appeals to kids and adults alike!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools. Start by washing and chopping your vegetables—onions, carrots, celery, zucchini, and any other ingredients you plan to use. Measuring out your quinoa and rinsing it beforehand is crucial; this removes bitterness and enhances its flavor. You’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven for simmering the soup, a cutting board, and a sharp knife to speed up the prep time.
Additionally, it’s handy to have measuring cups and spoons ready to ensure accuracy with your spices and liquids. As this dish is cooked over medium heat, stirring occasionally is necessary, so have a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula on hand. Lastly, don’t forget a bowl for any scraps and the compost if you’re going green; cleaning as you go makes the cooking experience more enjoyable.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1–2 cups chopped vegetables (zucchini, bell pepper, sweet potato, etc.)
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 large can diced tomatoes (28 oz)
- Slightly less than 1 cup rinsed quinoa
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 bay leaves
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- Fresh black pepper, to taste
- 1 can (15 oz) great northern beans or chickpeas, drained
- 1 cup chopped kale or collard greens (stems removed)
- 1–2 teaspoons lemon juice (to taste)
- Optional: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Begin your culinary journey by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and any additional chopped vegetables you’ve chosen. For best results, sprinkle a pinch of salt to help draw out the moisture. Sauté these veggies for about 6-8 minutes, or until they soften and their natural sweetness emerges. This initial step sets a strong flavor foundation for your soup.
Step 2: Add Garlic & Herbs
Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme. Continue to sauté for an additional minute, allowing the fragrant aroma to fill your kitchen. At this point, add in the can of diced tomatoes, including all their juices, to introduce acidity and depth to the mix.
Step 3: Incorporate Quinoa & Broth
Next up, it’s time to add the rinsed quinoa to the pot along with the vegetable broth and water. Toss in the salt, bay leaves, red pepper flakes, and a sprinkle of black pepper to taste. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, covering the pot partially. This allows the soup to exude its vibrant flavors while preventing excessive evaporation.
Step 4: Simmer & Add Beans and Greens
Allow the soup to simmer for about 25 minutes, which will give the quinoa time to cook through and achieve a pleasant texture. After this time, gently fold in the drained beans and chopped greens (kale or collard). Let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the greens are tender and vibrant. This step ensures a delightful blend of textures, nutrients, and color.
Step 5: Finish & Serve
Finally, remove the bay leaves from the pot. Stir in a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors, adjusting seasoning if necessary. Ladle the hearty soup into bowls, with an option to sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for an indulgent touch. Enjoy your warm bowl of Flavorful Quinoa Vegetable Soup!
Variations
- Protein: Substitute chickpeas with cooked chicken or turkey for an added protein boost.
- Vegetables: Experiment with seasonal vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or butternut squash.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika for extra flavor depth.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure to rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking to get rid of its natural coating, saponin, which can taste bitter.
- This soup can be easily doubled; just make sure to use a larger pot to accommodate the volume.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this hearty soup with crusty artisan bread for dipping.
- Top with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of olive oil for added richness.
Tips
- Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
- This soup also freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers for convenient meals later.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
FAQs
Can I use a different type of grain instead of quinoa?
Yes! You can substitute with rice, barley, or farro. Just adjust the cooking time according to the grain used.
How long does this soup last in the fridge?
When properly stored in an airtight container, this soup can last up to five days.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Simply sauté the vegetables and then transfer everything to a slow cooker, cooking on low for 6-8 hours.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes! This soup is entirely plant-based, making it perfect for vegetarian and vegan diets.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Flavorful Quinoa Vegetable Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace in a bowl. Its rich combination of wholesome ingredients and satisfying flavors makes it ideal for any day of the week, while the ease of preparation ensures that it will become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t hesitate to play with the vegetables and spices for your own unique twist. Your family will thank you for this nourishing bowl of goodness, so be sure to share your experiences in the comments below. Happy cooking!
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Flavorful Quinoa Vegetable Soup
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Quinoa Vegetable Soup is one of those comforting dishes that warms the heart and nourishes the body.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1–2 cups chopped vegetables (zucchini, bell pepper, sweet potato, etc.)
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 large can diced tomatoes (28 oz)
- Slightly less than 1 cup rinsed quinoa
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 bay leaves
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- Fresh black pepper, to taste
- 1 can (15 oz) great northern beans or chickpeas, drained
- 1 cup chopped kale or collard greens (stems removed)
- 1–2 teaspoons lemon juice (to taste)
- Optional: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Begin your culinary journey by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and any additional chopped vegetables you’ve chosen. For best results, sprinkle a pinch of salt to help draw out the moisture. Sauté these veggies for about 6-8 minutes, or until they soften and their natural sweetness emerges. This initial step sets a strong flavor foundation for your soup.
- Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme. Continue to sauté for an additional minute, allowing the fragrant aroma to fill your kitchen. At this point, add in the can of diced tomatoes, including all their juices, to introduce acidity and depth to the mix.
- Next up, it’s time to add the rinsed quinoa to the pot along with the vegetable broth and water. Toss in the salt, bay leaves, red pepper flakes, and a sprinkle of black pepper to taste. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, covering the pot partially. This allows the soup to exude its vibrant flavors while preventing excessive evaporation.
- Allow the soup to simmer for about 25 minutes, which will give the quinoa time to cook through and achieve a pleasant texture. After this time, gently fold in the drained beans and chopped greens (kale or collard). Let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the greens are tender and vibrant. This step ensures a delightful blend of textures, nutrients, and color.
- Finally, remove the bay leaves from the pot. Stir in a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors, adjusting seasoning if necessary. Ladle the hearty soup into bowls, with an option to sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for an indulgent touch. Enjoy your warm bowl of Flavorful Quinoa Vegetable Soup!
Notes
Ensure to rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking to get rid of its natural coating, saponin, which can taste bitter. This soup can be easily doubled; just make sure to use a larger pot to accommodate the volume.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Protein: 10 g