Quinoa Vegetable Soup
Quinoa Vegetable Soup is a vibrant and nourishing dish combining protein-rich quinoa with fresh vegetables for a comforting, healthy meal. Packed with nutrients, easy to prepare, and full of color and texture, this soup delivers delicious flavor and satisfying warmth with every spoonful.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Plant-Based
Grains and Seeds
Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
Liquids & Oils
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Herbs & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, zucchini, and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and a great mix of textures.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook for about 3-5 minutes until softened and fragrant, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
- Add the Vegetables: Stir in the carrots, celery, and zucchini, cooking for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors and slightly soften the vegetables.
- Pour in Broth and Tomatoes: Add the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer to infuse the soup with rich, savory flavors.
- Cook the Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa thoroughly to remove any bitterness, then add it directly to the simmering soup. Let it cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the quinoa is tender and has absorbed some broth.
- Season and Garnish: Adjust salt and pepper to taste, stir in fresh parsley or thyme, then turn off the heat and allow the flavors to meld for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Always rinse quinoa under cold water to remove its natural bitter coating.
- Do not overcook the vegetables; keep them slightly firm for better texture.
- Use homemade or high-quality vegetable broth for the best flavor.
- Add more broth or water if you prefer a thinner soup consistency.
- Let the soup rest a few minutes after cooking to deepen and blend the flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: quinoa soup, vegetable soup, gluten-free soup, vegan soup, healthy soup, easy soup recipe, plant-based meal