Quinoa Vegetable Soup
Quinoa Vegetable Soup is a comforting, nutritious, and versatile soup that combines the hearty texture of protein-rich quinoa with a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables. This easy-to-make, gluten-free recipe is filled with flavor and perfect for any season, delivering a wholesome meal that supports health and satisfies hunger.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Grains
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed thoroughly
Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped
Liquids
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
Herbs and Spices
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Prep Your Vegetables: Dice the carrots, celery, zucchini, onion, and garlic into bite-sized pieces for balanced texture in every spoonful.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant to build a savory base.
- Add Vegetables and Broth: Add the diced carrots, celery, and zucchini to the pot and sauté for a few minutes. Then pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa thoroughly to remove its bitter coating, then stir it into the simmering soup. Cook uncovered for about 15-20 minutes until the quinoa is tender and flavors meld.
- Add Greens and Season: Add the fresh spinach or kale to the pot and allow it to wilt for 2 minutes. Season the soup with salt, black pepper, fresh parsley, and thyme to taste. Stir well and adjust seasoning as needed.
Notes
- Rinse quinoa well before cooking to remove natural bitterness.
- Do not overcook vegetables; keep them slightly tender for texture and nutrients.
- Simmer soup gently on low heat to blend flavors without breaking down ingredients.
- Use homemade vegetable broth if possible for richer taste and fewer additives.
- Taste and adjust seasoning gradually to achieve the perfect flavor balance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- 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, nutritious soup