Quinoa Vegetable Soup

why make this recipe

Quinoa Vegetable Soup is a wonderful choice for anyone looking for a healthy, hearty meal. This soup is packed with nutritious vegetables, protein-rich quinoa, and delicious flavors. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or when you want to impress guests with a homemade dish. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be customized to include your favorite veggies.

how to make Quinoa Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow or white onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 to 2 cups chopped seasonal vegetables, like zucchini, yellow squash, bell pepper, sweet potatoes or butternut squash
• 6 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 large can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
• Scant 1 cup quinoa, rinsed well in a fine mesh colander (use less for a lighter, more broth-y soup)
• 4 cups (32 ounces) vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt, more to taste
• 2 bay leaves
• Pinch red pepper flakes
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 can (15 ounces) great northern beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup or more chopped fresh kale or collard greens, tough ribs removed
• 1 to 2 teaspoons lemon juice, to taste
• Optional garnish: freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Warm the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, seasonal vegetables, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often, until the onion has softened and is turning translucent, about 6 to 8 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and thyme. Cook until fragrant while stirring frequently, about 1 minute. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and cook for a few more minutes, stirring often.
3. Pour in the quinoa, broth, and water. Add 1 teaspoon salt, 2 bay leaves, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Season generously with freshly ground black pepper. Raise the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, then partially cover the pot and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
4. Cook for 25 minutes, then remove the lid and add the beans and chopped greens. Continue simmering for 5 minutes or more, until the greens have softened to your liking.
5. Remove the pot from heat, then remove the bay leaves. Stir in 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Taste and season with more salt, pepper, and/or lemon juice until the flavors really sing. You might need up to ½ teaspoon more salt, depending on your vegetable broth and your personal preferences. Divide into bowls and top with grated Parmesan if you’d like.

how to serve Quinoa Vegetable Soup

Serve this soup hot, and feel free to add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. It pairs nicely with crusty bread or a simple side salad. Enjoy it on its own or make it a complete meal by adding a protein on the side.

how to store Quinoa Vegetable Soup

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze the soup in portions for later use. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

tips to make Quinoa Vegetable Soup

• Rinse the quinoa well to remove any bitterness.
• Feel free to use any seasonal vegetables you have on hand; this recipe is very flexible.
• Adjust the salt, pepper, and lemon juice to suit your taste buds.
• For a thicker soup, add less water or use more quinoa.

variation

You can easily turn this soup into a spicy version by adding diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper. Additionally, try adding different herbs like basil or oregano for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes, this soup is naturally vegan since it uses vegetable broth and does not include any animal products.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

Quinoa is gluten-free, so this soup is already a great gluten-free option. Just ensure that the vegetable broth you use is also gluten-free.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Absolutely! Frozen vegetables are a great time-saving option and can be used in this recipe without any problems. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.