Name: Flavorful Quinoa Vegetable Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
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)

Description

Quinoa Vegetable Soup is one of those comforting dishes that warms the heart and nourishes the body.

Ingredients

Scale

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