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
Scale
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
