Healthy Quinoa Vegetable Soup

Why Make This Recipe

Healthy Quinoa Vegetable Soup is a great choice for anyone looking for a hearty and nutritious meal. Packed with vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables and whole grains, this soup offers a satisfying option for lunch or dinner. Quinoa is gluten-free and high in protein, making it a perfect addition to any diet. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and herbs.

How to Make Healthy Quinoa Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for sautéing

Directions:

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water and drain.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper until softened (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Add garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
4. Stir in the quinoa, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, zucchini, oregano, basil, and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until quinoa is cooked and vegetables are tender.
6. Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve warm.

How to Serve Healthy Quinoa Vegetable Soup

You can serve Healthy Quinoa Vegetable Soup in bowls, topped with some fresh herbs for added flavor. Pair it with whole-grain bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It’s also delicious with a sprinkle of cheese or a dollop of yogurt if you like.

How to Store Healthy Quinoa Vegetable Soup

Store any leftovers of the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Tips to Make Healthy Quinoa Vegetable Soup

1. For extra flavor, try adding a splash of lemon juice or vinegar just before serving.
2. You can use any vegetables you have on hand, such as spinach, kale, or corn.
3. Feel free to adjust the spices and herbs according to your taste preferences.

Variation

If you want a creamy soup, you can blend half of the soup before serving. This will give you a thicker texture while leaving some vegetable pieces for added bite.

FAQs

Can I use other grains instead of quinoa?

Yes, you can use rice or bulgur if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the grain you choose.

Is this soup vegan?

Yes, Healthy Quinoa Vegetable Soup is completely vegan as it uses vegetable broth and no animal products.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Definitely! This soup stores well, and the flavors may even deepen after sitting in the fridge for a day or two.