As the weather starts to cool down, there’s nothing like a warm and comforting bowl of quinoa soup to cozy up with on a chilly night. Quinoa, the protein-packed superfood, is the perfect base for a hearty and nutritious soup that’s sure to become a new favorite. With its nutty flavor and fluffy texture, quinoa pairs well with a wide range of ingredients and spices, making it a versatile canvas for creativity in the kitchen.
In this article, we’ll explore 20 delicious quinoa soup recipes that will keep you warm and satisfied on even the coldest of nights. From classic and comforting to bold and exotic, these soups offer something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for something creamy and rich or light and zesty, we’ve got you covered.
Lemon Garlic Quinoa Soup
This bright and citrusy soup is a perfect blend of flavors, with the warmth of quinoa and the zestiness of lemon. Serve it as a starter or main course for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the quinoa and cook according to package instructions.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the vegetable broth, lemon juice, and thyme to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
4. Add the cooked quinoa to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Coconut Quinoa Soup
This comforting soup is a perfect blend of creamy coconut milk, nutty quinoa, and aromatic spices. A nutritious and flavorful meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium pot, bring quinoa and broth to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until quinoa is tender.
2. In a large skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until softened.
3. Stir in coconut milk, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add cooked quinoa to the skillet and stir until well combined.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spicy Mexican Quinoa Soup
Warm up with this spicy and satisfying quinoa soup, infused with the bold flavors of Mexico.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, and lime wedges for toppings
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
2. In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, red bell pepper, and jalapeño; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until soup has thickened slightly.
4. Stir in cooked quinoa and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot, topped with desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Moroccan-Inspired Quinoa Soup
Warm up with this fragrant and flavorful soup, inspired by the spices of Morocco. This hearty quinoa soup is perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the bell pepper; cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Stir in cumin and smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute.
5. Add the quinoa, broth, and diced tomatoes; bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the quinoa is tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Vegetable-Packed Quinoa Minestrone
This hearty, plant-based minestrone soup is packed with a variety of colorful vegetables and nutritious quinoa, making it a perfect option for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
– 1 medium bell pepper, sliced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup frozen kidney beans, thawed
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
2. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until tender.
3. Add zucchinis, bell pepper, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Stir in cooked quinoa, diced tomatoes, and kidney beans. Season with basil, salt, and pepper.
5. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Curried Quinoa and Lentil Soup
This hearty soup combines the comforting warmth of quinoa and lentils with the bright, aromatic flavors of curry. Perfect for a cozy night in or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: chopped cilantro or scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine quinoa, water or broth, lentils, onion, garlic, ginger, curry powder, and cumin.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until quinoa is tender and lentils have broken apart.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro or scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Tomato Basil Quinoa Soup
This vibrant and flavorful soup is a perfect blend of summer’s sweetness and quinoa’s nutty goodness, all wrapped up in a comforting package. With the freshness of basil and the tanginess of tomatoes, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the quinoa, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until quinoa is tender.
4. Stir in chopped basil and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Quinoa Chicken Noodle Soup
Warm up with this comforting and nutritious quinoa chicken noodle soup, perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 ounces egg noodles
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté chicken, onion, and garlic until the chicken is cooked through.
2. Add quinoa, chicken broth, bell pepper, thyme, and paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Stir in cooked noodles and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Roasted Red Pepper Quinoa Soup
Roasted Red Pepper Quinoa Soup: A hearty and flavorful soup that combines the sweetness of roasted red peppers with the nuttiness of quinoa, perfect for a cozy evening meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 large red bell peppers, roasted (see note)
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
3. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until softened.
4. Add roasted red peppers, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Stir in cooked quinoa and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking time: 30-40 minutes
Note: To roast red bell peppers, place them on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until the skin is blistered and charred. Peel off the skin, discarding it, and chop the flesh into pieces.
Quinoa and Black Bean Chili Soup
A hearty and flavorful soup that combines the nutty taste of quinoa with the earthy sweetness of black beans, perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: jalapeños or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
2. In a large pot, sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until tender.
3. Add cumin, chili powder, and cooked black beans. Stir to combine.
4. Add diced tomatoes, cooked quinoa, and water or broth. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat and let cook for 20-25 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro, scallions, or a dollop of sour cream.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Thai-Inspired Quinoa Soup with Peanut Butter
This hearty quinoa soup combines the warm, spicy flavors of Thailand with the creamy richness of peanut butter. A perfect blend of comfort and excitement for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons peanut butter
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add onion, garlic, and red bell pepper; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add vegetable broth, coconut milk, peanut butter, and ginger. Bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in cooked quinoa. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Quinoa Miso Soup with Greens
This recipe combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the savory taste of miso, all wrapped up in a soothing bowl of greens. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this soup is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons white miso paste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups mixed greens (such as kale, spinach, and collard)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring quinoa and water or broth to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until quinoa is tender.
3. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in miso paste and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add cooked quinoa to the pot along with greens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Simmer soup for an additional 2-3 minutes or until greens are wilted.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Quinoa and Sweet Potato Soup
This hearty soup is a perfect blend of nutritious quinoa, sweet potatoes, and aromatic spices. It’s a great way to warm up on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in a little water until softened.
2. Add the sweet potato, quinoa, vegetable broth, cumin, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and the sweet potato is soft.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup to desired consistency.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Quinoa Taco Soup
This recipe combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the bold flavors of taco seasoning, creating a deliciously unique soup. Perfect for a chilly evening or a quick lunch, this Quinoa Taco Soup is a staple in any kitchen.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions.
2. In a large pot, combine vegetable broth, black beans, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Add cooked quinoa to the pot and stir to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Quinoa and Kale Detox Soup
This hearty soup is a perfect blend of protein-rich quinoa, nutrient-dense kale, and aromatic spices to help detoxify your body. With its creamy texture and subtle flavors, it’s an ideal meal for a quick pick-me-up or as a healthy start to the day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups kale leaves, stems removed and chopped
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring quinoa and water or broth to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until quinoa is tender.
2. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add kale, cumin, and smoked paprika (if using); cook until kale is wilted, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir cooked quinoa into the pot with kale mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Quinoa Mushroom Barley Soup
Warm up with this hearty and healthy soup, packed with quinoa, mushrooms, and barley for a fiber-rich meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.
3. Add the quinoa, barley, vegetable broth, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until grains are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Quinoa Corn Chowder
This hearty and flavorful Quinoa Corn Chowder is a perfect blend of nutritious quinoa, sweet corn, and tender vegetables. It’s an ideal comfort food for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) corn kernels, drained
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring quinoa and water or broth to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until quinoa is tender.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in corn kernels, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until corn is heated through.
4. Fluff cooked quinoa with a fork and stir into the vegetable mixture.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes
Quinoa and Chickpea Stew
A hearty and nutritious stew that combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the creamy texture of chickpeas, perfect for a comforting meal on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 can chickpeas (14.5 oz), drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring quinoa and water or broth to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until quinoa is tender.
3. In a large pot, sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper in a little oil until softened.
4. Add chickpeas, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. Fluff cooked quinoa with a fork and add to the pot. Stir gently to combine.
6. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Quinoa Butternut Squash Soup
This hearty soup combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the sweetness of roasted butternut squash, creating a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for any season.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and place on a baking sheet.
3. Roast the squash for 45 minutes, or until tender.
4. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
5. Add roasted squash, chicken broth, cooked quinoa, salt, and pepper to the pot.
6. Simmer soup for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
7. Stir in chopped cilantro and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Quinoa Avgolemono Soup (Greek Lemon-Egg Soup)
Quinoa Avgolemono Soup: A Hearty Greek Lemon-Egg Soup Recipe
Avgolemono soup is a classic Greek comfort food that combines the creamy richness of eggs and lemon with the nutty flavor of quinoa. This recipe adds a nutritious twist by incorporating quinoa, making it a satisfying and healthy meal option.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 large egg yolks
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and cook according to package instructions.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine chicken broth, lemon juice, and cooked quinoa. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolks and olive oil until smooth.
4. Gradually add the warm soup mixture to the egg yolk mixture, whisking continuously to prevent scrambling.
5. Return the soup to the saucepan and reheat over low heat, whisking constantly, until hot but not boiling.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or dill if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Cozy up with these 20 delicious quinoa soup recipes! From creamy coconut to spicy Mexican, there’s something for everyone. Try Lemon Garlic Quinoa Soup or Curried Quinoa and Lentil Soup for a flavor boost. For a comforting classic, opt for Quinoa Chicken Noodle Soup. Or, spice things up with Thai-Inspired Quinoa Soup with Peanut Butter. Whatever your taste buds desire, these hearty quinoa soups are sure to warm your belly and your soul.
