Fresh Vegetable Quinoa Soup
For this soup I used lots of summer/early autumn vegetables. Substituting the zucchini and corn with butternut squash and turnips and using canned tomatoes in lieu of tasty summer tomatoes would be an easy transition for a warming late autumn or winter soup. This soup is well balanced with flavor and texture and is quite fulfilling in the belly.
- 2 Tbs olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 poblano pepper, seeded and diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced
- 2 tsp dried Mexican oregano
- 4 medium tomatoes, diced
- 2 medium red potatoes, diced
- ½ tsp salt
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
- 2 cups water
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- 1 ¼ cup corn kernels (2 cobs)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped, and more for garnish
In a large pot, sauté onions, carrots and peppers until onions become slightly translucent. Add garlic and ginger and sauté for about 1 minute. Add Mexican oregano and tomatoes, cooking for about 5 minutes, then add the potatoes, stock and water and bring to a boil. Add the quinoa then reduce to a simmer. Cook for approximately 10-15 minutes and stir occasionally. Add salt and pepper to taste, and possibly more smoked paprika. Stir in cilantro before serving and garnish individual portions as desired. Although not listed as an ingredient, a splash of lime adds a nice brightness.
Serves 6-8.
Nourish