Looking for a warm and nourishing dish that is both hearty and healthy? This quinoa vegetable soup is your answer. It’s not just a meal; it’s a delightful blend of flavors and textures that’ll leave you feeling satisfied and uplifted. Perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend lunch, this soup can easily become a weekly staple in your kitchen.
Imagine a comforting bowl filled with fluffy quinoa, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs. The best part? It’s quick to prepare and packed with nutrients, making it a fantastic choice for both busy weeknights and meal prep days.
This recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, this quinoa soup is sure to impress.
Wholesome Ingredients for a Nourishing Bowl
This quinoa vegetable soup features a delightful assortment of fresh ingredients that not only enhance the taste but also pack a nutritional punch. With each bowl, you enjoy the earthy flavor of quinoa combined with the natural sweetness of carrots, the mildness of zucchini, and the vibrant crunch of bell peppers.
The incorporation of fresh spinach or kale adds a lovely green hue and vital nutrients. These vegetables are not just for show; they contribute to the overall health benefits of the dish, making it a satisfying choice any day of the week.
Comforting Cooking Process
Creating this comforting soup begins with sautéing aromatics like onion and garlic, which lay the foundation for its rich flavor. As the onions become translucent, the kitchen fills with a warm, inviting aroma that sets the tone for a delightful meal.
Next, the colorful vegetables are added, providing texture and a variety of flavors. The process of simmering the quinoa with vegetable broth allows it to absorb the rich flavors, creating a hearty base that will leave everyone feeling full and content.
Seasoning for Taste
Seasoning is key to elevating the flavors in this soup. A blend of dried thyme, salt, and pepper enhances the vegetable medley, creating a harmonious taste profile. Adjusting these seasonings to personal preference can make each bowl unique.
The optional squeeze of lemon juice before serving brings a refreshing brightness that contrasts beautifully with the savory components of the soup, enhancing your dining experience further.
Presentation Matters
Serving this soup is an art in itself. Ladling it into bowls reveals the colorful medley of vegetables and fluffy quinoa, creating an inviting visual. A garnish of fresh greens offers a pop of color while a slice of lemon on the side adds a touch of elegance.
Setting the table with rustic wooden elements adds to the warmth of this dish, making it perfect for family gatherings or a quiet evening at home.
Versatility and Customization
This quinoa vegetable soup is highly versatile, allowing for endless customization based on what ingredients are available. Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables or add your favorite herbs to create a personalized version.
Whether you’re preparing a meal for one or feeding a crowd, this recipe is easily scalable and can be enjoyed by everyone, making it a fantastic addition to any meal rotation.
Nutritional Benefits
Not only is this soup hearty and satisfying, but it also boasts a range of health benefits. With approximately 180 calories per serving and a good balance of protein and carbohydrates, it makes for a wholesome meal choice.
The inclusion of quinoa provides essential amino acids and fiber, while the variety of vegetables delivers vitamins and minerals necessary for a balanced diet. This soup is a wonderful way to nourish both body and spirit, perfect for any time of the year.
Wholesome Quinoa Vegetable Soup
This quinoa vegetable soup is a wholesome and satisfying dish, featuring a medley of fresh veggies, nutty quinoa, and fragrant herbs. It’s a balanced meal that offers a comforting and earthy taste, perfect for warming you up from the inside out.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup chopped spinach or kale
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the Vegetables: Stir in the diced carrots, zucchini, and bell pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the veggies to soften slightly.
- Cook the Quinoa: Add the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with Greens: Stir in the chopped spinach or kale, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until the greens are wilted.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, and if desired, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top before serving.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 bowls
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
