Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Quinoa Tomato Soup when you’re craving something warm and nourishing. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a chilly winter night, and it quickly became a staple in my kitchen. Packed with protein-rich quinoa, this soup is not just hearty but also incredibly nutritious. The combination of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs fills your home with the most inviting scents, making it hard to resist digging in. Plus, it’s vegan-friendly, which means it’s perfect for everyone at the table! Whether I’m looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy lunch, this soup always hits the spot. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup quinoa: Rinsed well to remove the bitter coating.
- 4 cups vegetable broth: Use low-sodium if you prefer to control the saltiness.
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes: No need to drain; the juice adds flavor!
- 1 onion, diced: Sweet or yellow onions work best for a nice sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is a must for that aromatic punch!
- 1 carrot, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and lovely color.
- 1 celery stalk, diced: For that perfect crunch and flavor balance.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Or use fresh if you have it on hand; just chop finely!
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic herb that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
- Salt to taste: Don’t forget to adjust as needed; I usually add a pinch at a time.
- Pepper to taste: Freshly cracked black pepper elevates the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing those fragrant veggies!
How to Prepare Quinoa Tomato Soup
Now, let’s dive into the delightful process of making this Quinoa Tomato Soup! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll love every step. Grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want it nice and hot but not smoking, so keep an eye on it!
- Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and the onion is translucent. Oh, it smells heavenly already!
- Now, toss in the diced carrot and diced celery. Sauté for another 5 minutes. This adds a lovely crunch and sweetness to your soup.
- Time to add the star of the show! Stir in the quinoa and let it toast for a minute. This little step brings out its nutty flavor.
- Now, pour in the vegetable broth and the diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir in the dried basil and dried oregano. Bring everything to a rolling boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. You’ll want to stir it occasionally to keep things from sticking. Just imagine how cozy your kitchen smells!
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir, and voila! Your Quinoa Tomato Soup is ready to be served hot!
Don’t forget, you can always tweak the seasoning or add a splash of lemon juice for a zesty kick just before serving. Enjoy every spoonful!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to nourishing your body, this Quinoa Tomato Soup shines! Each serving is approximately 220 calories, making it a hearty yet healthy option. You’ll get about 6g of fat, with 1g being saturated, and an impressive 8g of protein—thanks to the quinoa! Plus, it packs in 36g of carbohydrates and 6g of fiber, keeping you full and satisfied. This information is an estimate, but it gives you a great idea of the nutritious goodness in every bowl. Enjoy guilt-free indulgence with every spoonful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy: Packed with protein and fiber, this soup is a nutritious choice for any meal.
- Quick to make: In just 40 minutes, you can have a deliciously satisfying soup ready to enjoy.
- Easy preparation: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, even beginner cooks can whip it up!
- Flavorful: The combination of fresh vegetables and herbs creates a rich and comforting taste.
- Versatile: Customize it with your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own!
Tips for Success
To make your Quinoa Tomato Soup truly shine, here are a few pro tips that I swear by! First, don’t skip the step of toasting the quinoa—it really enhances that nutty flavor and elevates your soup to the next level. If you want to amp up the nutrition, consider adding leafy greens like spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking. They wilt beautifully and add a pop of color!
Also, if you love a little heat, try tossing in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick. And remember, this soup is super forgiving; feel free to switch up the herbs! Fresh thyme or parsley can offer a delightful twist. Finally, for an extra creamy texture, blend a portion of the soup before serving. Trust me, it’s a game changer!
Variations of Quinoa Tomato Soup
One of the best things about Quinoa Tomato Soup is how easily it adapts to whatever you have on hand. If you’re looking to mix things up, consider adding some diced bell peppers for a sweet crunch or zucchini for a tender texture. You could also throw in a handful of leafy greens like spinach or kale just before serving for an extra nutrient boost!
If you’re a fan of spices, why not experiment with a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika? These will add a warm depth to the flavor. For an Italian twist, toss in some chopped fresh basil or parsley right before serving—it’s a delightful touch! You can even swap out the vegetable broth for a homemade stock for a richer taste. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Quinoa Tomato Soup is super easy! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re anything like me and love to meal prep, you can also freeze the soup! Just pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little space for expansion, and it’ll last for about 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, simply thaw the soup overnight in the fridge if frozen. For reheating, you can warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave works too—just pop it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals, stirring in between. And there you have it, cozy soup ready to warm your soul again!
FAQ Section
Can I use other grains instead of quinoa?
Absolutely! While quinoa is perfect for its protein content and texture, you can experiment with other grains like farro or barley. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so check the package instructions for adjustments.
Is Quinoa Tomato Soup gluten-free?
Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free vegetable broth. It’s a fantastic option for anyone avoiding gluten but still craving a hearty meal!
Can I make this soup in advance?
Definitely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it!
What can I serve with Quinoa Tomato Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with a crusty piece of bread or a fresh green salad. You could also make a grilled cheese sandwich for a classic comfort food combo!
How do I store leftovers?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
For more information on the health benefits of quinoa, check out this article.
Print
Quinoa Tomato Soup: 7 Reasons You’ll Love This Cozy Dish
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A nutritious and hearty quinoa tomato soup.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened.
- Add quinoa, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, basil, and oregano.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- You can add other vegetables as desired.
- This soup freezes well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Quinoa Tomato Soup, Healthy Soup, Vegan Soup