Quinoa Vegetable Soup
Warm up with a hearty Quinoa Vegetable Soup, packed with seasonal fall vegetables and rich, cozy flavors. This nourishing soup combines the nutty texture of quinoa with a fresh mix of veggies, delivering a comforting, protein-rich, and nutrient-dense meal perfect for chilly autumn days and wholesome dinners.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed well
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped (or 1 cup canned tomatoes)
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or rosemary), chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Prepare Your Vegetables: Wash, peel, and chop all vegetables into roughly equal bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and celery; cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Vegetables and Spices: Stir in carrots, zucchini, and any other chosen veggies. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to begin layering flavors.
- Pour in Broth and Quinoa: Pour vegetable broth into the pot, then add the rinsed quinoa and chopped tomatoes. Stir everything well to combine.
- Simmer Until Tender: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the quinoa is fluffy and vegetables are tender.
- Final Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. For extra freshness, stir in chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
Notes
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove natural bitterness caused by saponins.
- Use homemade vegetable broth if possible for enhanced depth and richness.
- Avoid overcooking quinoa to maintain a pleasant texture and prevent mushiness.
- Sauté aromatics first to bring out natural sweetness and add complexity to the soup.
- Fresh herbs provide brighter flavors than dried herbs, so use fresh whenever possible.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: quinoa soup, vegetable soup, fall recipes, healthy soup, vegan soup, gluten free, hearty soup