Quinoa Soup Recipe: How to Make Quinoa Vegetable Soup

Quinoa soup is a hearty soup that uses quinoa, a naturally gluten-free ancient grain with a mild, nutty flavor. Soft with just a hint of chew, cooked quinoa is a common ingredient in many vegan and vegetarian recipes, including veggie burgers and vegetable soup recipes.

A quinoa soup, similar to a lentil soup, can incorporate various ingredients, depending on the flavor you desire. Make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth (or vegetable stock), or use other substitutions according to your dietary restrictions and personal tastes. You can prepare quinoa recipes on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.

Quinoa and broth comprise the base of a quinoa soup, but adding one or more of these five ingredients will add body and flavor to the dish:

1. 1. Beans: Chickpeas, white beans, or pinto beans add a creamy texture and an earthy flavor to quinoa soup. Use canned beans or cooked dried beans, but be sure to add them toward the end of the cooking process to retain their shape.
2. 2. Chicken: Add shredded chicken breast to quinoa soup for a protein boost or to mimic the taste of chicken noodle soup, a popular comfort food. Season and cook the chicken separately before adding it, or cook it in the broth and shred it just before serving the dish.
3. 3. Milk: For a creamy soup, add whole milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream—the dairy helps to thicken the soup without adding a strong flavor. Alternatively, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the finished dish, or add a nondairy milk to keep the soup dairy-free.
4. 4. Spices: Since quinoa has a mildly nutty flavor, strong spices can add extra dimension to quinoa soup. Add cumin, red pepper flakes, bay leaves, chili powder, oregano, or Italian seasoning. To release the natural oils in the spices, sauté them in olive oil at the beginning of the cooking process.
5. 5. Vegetables: For a quinoa vegetable soup, add sweet potatoes, butternut squash, bell peppers, zucchini, diced tomatoes, green beans, or other vegetables you have on hand to add nutrients and flavor to the soup.