Quinoa Vegetable Soup
Quinoa Vegetable Soup is a wholesome, nutrient-packed, and vibrant soup combining hearty quinoa with a colorful mix of fresh vegetables. This comforting dish is perfect for boosting immunity, supporting digestion, and fitting into a balanced, gluten-free diet. It’s easy to prepare, adaptable to various tastes, and great for any meal occasion.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups spinach or kale, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Quinoa: Rinse 1 cup of quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove bitterness, then set it aside to drain.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions, minced garlic, chopped celery, and carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Broth and Quinoa: Pour in 6 cups of vegetable broth, then add the rinsed quinoa. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Simmer the Soup: Let the soup cook gently for 15-20 minutes until the quinoa is fluffy and the vegetables are tender.
- Incorporate Greens and Herb: Stir in chopped spinach or kale along with fresh thyme or parsley. Allow the greens to wilt, which takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you love. Give it a final stir and serve warm to fully enjoy those nourishing flavors and textures.
Notes
- Rinse quinoa well to remove the natural coating called saponin that can taste bitter.
- Use fresh vegetables for more flavor and nutrients.
- Add leafy greens towards the end to keep their vibrant color and nutrients intact.
- Adjust broth quantity for desired soup thickness.
- Season gradually and taste frequently to achieve the perfect balance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: quinoa soup, vegetable soup, gluten-free soup, healthy soup, vegan soup, immune boosting soup, fiber rich soup, easy soup recipe, nutritious soup