If you’re in the mood for something both hearty and healthy that warms you up from the inside out, this Mushroom Quinoa Soup Recipe is absolutely fan-freaking-tastic. It’s one of those bowls I turn to when I want comfort food that feels nourishing, not heavy. Creamy mushrooms, earthy quinoa, and a medley of fresh veggies make this soup a total winner in my kitchen, and I bet you’ll love it just as much.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Wholesome & Nutritious: Packed with quinoa and veggies, this soup fuels you with plant-based protein and fiber.
- Rich Mushroom Flavor: Using both white and cremini mushrooms gives an earthy depth that’s simply irresistible.
- Easy & Quick Prep: You can whip this up in about 40 minutes—perfect for a weeknight dinner or cozy weekend lunch.
- Versatile & Freezable: This soup freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy it on your schedule without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Mushroom Quinoa Soup Recipe is chosen to build layers of flavor and texture that come together effortlessly. I always recommend fresh veggies and good-quality mushrooms to make the most of it.
- Olive oil: Use a good extra virgin for that fruity, rich base when sautéing your veggies.
- Yellow onion: Its slightly sweet flavor mellows as it cooks, balancing the earthiness of mushrooms beautifully.
- Carrots: Adding color and a gentle natural sweetness, carrots are a must for a well-rounded broth.
- Celery stalks: These lend a subtle aromatic note—don’t skip them for classic flavor.
- Garlic: Mince it fresh for the best punch and delicious depth.
- Bay leaves: A simple herb that quietly infuses the broth with complex aroma during simmering.
- Fresh thyme: The fresh herbyness lifts this soup beyond ordinary.
- White mushrooms: Their mild flavor and tender texture complement the cremini mushrooms perfectly.
- Cremini mushrooms: These add that deep, woodsy flavor I absolutely adore.
- Low sodium vegetable broth: Look for a clean, flavorful broth to let the mushroom magic shine.
- Quinoa: A little protein-packed super grain that cooks right into the soup and keeps you full.
- Salt and black pepper: To season perfectly—taste as you go!
Variations
I love how versatile this Mushroom Quinoa Soup Recipe is—you can easily tweak it to suit your preferences or pantry availability. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!
- Variation: Swap fresh thyme for rosemary or sage if you want a different herbal note—I’ve done it plenty of times with delicious results.
- Add greens: Stir in spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for a nutrient boost.
- Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika can transform this into a more vibrant bowl.
- Protein boost: Toss in some cooked beans or shredded tofu for extra meatiness if you want more substance.
How to Make Mushroom Quinoa Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Holy Trinity of Veggies
Heat your soup pot over medium heat and coat the bottom with olive oil. When it shimmers, add diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook them gently for about 5 minutes until they’re tender and fragrant. This is the flavor foundation, so don’t rush — the soft veggies create a lovely sweetness that balances the mushrooms.
Step 2: Build Rich Mushroom & Herb Layers
Stir in the minced garlic, bay leaves, fresh thyme, and both types of sliced mushrooms. Cook it all together for another 5 minutes until the mushrooms release their juices and soften. I love this step because the mushroom aroma fills my kitchen—if you’re lucky, your family might just show up early smelling it!
Step 3: Simmer with Broth & Quinoa
Pour in the vegetable broth and crank up the heat until it reaches a boil. Once boiling, stir in the rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to a gentle simmer, and cover the pot. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll see the quinoa grains fluff up and become tender, blending perfectly with the soup’s earthy broth.
Step 4: Season & Serve
Don’t forget to taste your soup—season with salt and black pepper to your liking. I find that the salt really helps the mushroom flavor pop. Serve it hot and enjoy the cozy vibes with every spoonful.
Pro Tips for Making Mushroom Quinoa Soup Recipe
- Use Fresh Mushrooms: I learned early on that freshness makes all the difference—avoid pre-sliced packages if possible and slice your own.
- Rinse Quinoa Thoroughly: This removes the natural bitterness and results in a cleaner-tasting soup.
- Don’t Skip the Simmer: Letting the soup gently simmer develops deeper flavors unlike a quick boil.
- Avoid Overcooking Mushrooms: Add them after the base veggies soften to keep their texture intact and prevent mushiness.
How to Serve Mushroom Quinoa Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I like to top my bowls with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme leaves for a pop of color and brightness. A drizzle of good olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice can also wake up the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Crusty bread or garlic naan pairs perfectly with this soup, soaking up all that savory broth. For something lighter, a crisp green salad complements the earthiness and adds fresh crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist when hosting, serve this soup in small, clear glass jars or mini bowls with a thyme sprig garnish on top. It makes for a cozy, inviting presentation that feels extra special without extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I cool the leftover Mushroom Quinoa Soup completely before placing it in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to 4 days, making it a perfect quick meal on busy days.
Freezing
This soup freezes like a charm—I divide portions into freezer-safe containers and it keeps well for up to one month. When I’m needing a simple dinner, pulling one out and reheating is a real lifesaver.
Reheating
I reheat gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat so the quinoa doesn’t dry out. Adding a splash of broth or water helps restore the perfect, cozy consistency.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of mushrooms in this soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in shiitake, portobello, or oyster mushrooms depending on what you have. Just keep in mind cooking times may vary slightly, so add sturdier mushrooms earlier and delicate ones later to maintain texture.
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Is the Mushroom Quinoa Soup Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses quinoa instead of noodles or wheat-based ingredients. Just ensure your vegetable broth is labeled gluten-free to be safe.
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Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
You can, but I recommend sautéing the vegetables and mushrooms first to build flavor, then transfer everything to the slow cooker with broth and quinoa. Cook on low for 4-6 hours until quinoa is tender.
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How do I prevent quinoa from getting mushy?
Keep an eye on the cooking time and avoid stirring too frequently once quinoa is added. Overcooking or excessive stirring can break down the grains, but gentle simmering and stirring occasionally will keep their pleasant texture.
Final Thoughts
This Mushroom Quinoa Soup Recipe has become one of my all-time comfort staples—not just because it tastes amazing but because it’s so straightforward and forgiving. Whether you’re new to cooking quinoa or just want a nourishing bowl after a long day, this soup comes through every time. Give it a go, and I promise you’ll be making this your go-to cozy meal too!
PrintMushroom Quinoa Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This hearty Mushroom Quinoa Soup is a nourishing and flavorful blend of fresh mushrooms, quinoa, and vegetables simmered in a fragrant herb-infused vegetable broth. Perfectly suited for a cozy lunch or dinner, it is vegan, gluten-free, and packed with nutrients, making it a comforting and healthful choice for chilly days.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, minced
- 1 (8 oz) package white mushrooms, stems removed and sliced
- 1 (8 oz) package cremini mushrooms, stems removed and sliced
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 quarts low sodium vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup rinsed quinoa
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Place a soup pot over medium heat and add the olive oil to coat the bottom. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook these vegetables until they become tender and translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add Aromatics and Mushrooms: Stir in the minced garlic, bay leaves, fresh thyme, and both white and cremini mushrooms. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and have released their moisture.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the low sodium vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the rinsed quinoa and reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Let the soup simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the quinoa from sticking to the pot and to ensure even cooking.
- Season and Serve: After simmering, remove the bay leaves and season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. Enjoy this warming dish on its own or with a side of crusty bread.
Notes
- This soup freezes beautifully; allow it to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one month.
- This healthy soup is vegan and gluten-free, ideal for those with dietary restrictions or anyone seeking a nourishing meal.
- Adjust the seasoning as desired; adding a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving can brighten the flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg