As the chill of the evening settles in, there’s nothing quite like warming up with a bowl of cozy quinoa tomato soup. Just imagine the tantalizing blend of sautéed onions, garlic, and vibrant vegetables mingling with the nutty flavor of quinoa. This soup has a way of wrapping around you like a soft blanket, making the simplest of moments feel special.
The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its comforting taste but also in its quick preparation—ready in just 40 minutes—and wholesome ingredients that turn your kitchen into a haven of warmth and flavor. I stumbled upon this delightful concoction one dreary afternoon, seeking a remedy for the never-ending craving for hearty, homemade food.
Packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor, this cozy dish transforms those weeknight dinners into something noteworthy. So grab your favorite spoon, and let’s dive into nurturing both our taste buds and our spirits with this easy-to-make quinoa tomato soup that’s sure to become a staple in your home!
Why You'll Love This Cozy Quinoa Tomato Soup
- This cozy quinoa tomato soup is incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip up a delicious meal in just 40 minutes.
- The rich flavors of sautéed vegetables and aromatic herbs will tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul with every spoonful.
- Versatile and hearty, this soup can easily be adjusted to include your favorite vegetables or extra spices, making it a customizable delight for everyone.
- Plus, its vibrant colors and inviting aroma make for a visually appealing dish that’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a comforting night in.
Cozy Quinoa Tomato Soup Ingredients
• Get ready for a deliciously warm bowl!
For the Soup
- Quinoa – a nutritious grain that adds a lovely texture and protein boost.
- Vegetable broth – enhances the soup’s heartiness, making it a comforting favorite.
- Diced tomatoes – adds a sweet and tangy base that complements the quinoa beautifully.
- Onion – brings a savory depth of flavor when sautéed to perfection.
- Garlic – infuses the soup with a warm, fragrant aroma that invites everyone to the table.
- Carrot – adds a hint of sweetness and vibrant color, making your soup visually delightful.
- Celery stalk – contributes a refreshing crunch and aromatic quality to the mix.
For the Seasoning
- Dried basil – imparts a lovely herbal note, brightening up the cozy quinoa tomato soup.
- Dried oregano – adds an earthy flavor, enhancing the overall taste balance.
- Salt – season to your preference, bringing all the flavors together.
- Pepper – a dash will elevate the flavors and add just the right kick.
- Olive oil – provides a rich, smooth base for sautéing your vegetables to golden perfection.
How to Make Cozy Quinoa Tomato Soup
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Heat oil: Begin by warming the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. This step will enhance the flavors of the vegetables that follow.
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Sauté veggies: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté them until softened, around 4-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Combine ingredients: Stir in the quinoa, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, dried basil, and dried oregano. This combination makes a hearty base for your cozy quinoa tomato soup.
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Bring to a boil: Increase the heat until the mixture comes to a boil, then promptly reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes. The quinoa should be fluffy, and the soup will thicken slightly.
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Season to taste: After simmering, season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. This final touch balances the flavors just right.
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Serve hot: Ladle the soup into bowls while it’s steaming hot. Enjoy every spoonful as it warms your soul!
Optional: Top with fresh parsley or a dollop of yogurt for added creaminess.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Cozy Quinoa Tomato Soup?
As you settle in with a bowl of this delightful soup, consider complementing your meal with a few tasty sides to elevate the experience.
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Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery, garlic bread adds a comforting crunch that pairs perfectly with the smooth soup.
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Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with light vinaigrette provides a bright contrast, balancing the warm flavors beautifully. The crisp greens will refresh your palate.
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Cheese Quesadillas: These cheesy, crispy delights can be dipped into your soup. The melty cheese inside is an indulgent touch that pairs wonderfully with each savory spoonful.
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Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized, sweet, and slightly smoky, roasted vegetables enhance the soup’s heartiness while adding vibrant colors to your plate.
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Herb Rice: Fluffy rice with fresh herbs offers a lovely texture that complements the quinoa. It’s a great way to soak up broth too!
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Chardonnay: A chilled glass of Chardonnay can beautifully enhance the meal’s flavors, offering a crisp note to balance the warm and hearty soup.
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Chocolate Brownies: For dessert, rich chocolate brownies can satisfy your sweet tooth after the savory soup. The sweetness provides a delightful ending to your cozy meal!
How to Store and Freeze Cozy Quinoa Tomato Soup
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Let the soup cool before refrigerating to preserve freshness.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Leave some space at the top for expansion as it freezes.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warm. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens.
Cozy Quinoa Tomato Soup Variations
Feel free to make this cozy quinoa tomato soup your own with these delightful tweaks.
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Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a zesty warmth that perks up your palate. It’s an easy way to transform comfort into a bit of excitement!
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Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream just before serving for an ultra-rich texture that deepens the flavors beautifully. This twist brings a luscious, velvety quality to your soup.
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Protein Boost: Mix in a can of drained chickpeas or cooked lentils for an extra protein punch and heartiness that will keep you satisfied for hours. They blend seamlessly into the soup, enriching every bowl.
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Herb Garden: Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme at the end of cooking for a burst of freshness that contrasts wonderfully with the warm flavors. Their bright notes will make your soup sing with vibrancy!
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Vegetable Medley: Toss in chopped spinach or kale during the last few minutes of simmering for added nutrition and a pop of color. This boost creates a visually appealing dish that’s as healthy as it is hearty.
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Citrus Zest: A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice right before serving elevates the flavors with a bright, tangy finish. It’s not just a flavor enhancer; it’s a mood lifter, too!
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Fire-Roasted Flavor: Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a smoky undertone and extra depth that enriches the whole soup experience. The flavor transformation is subtle but oh-so-delicious!
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Gluten-Free Option: Swap the quinoa for brown rice or millet for a gluten-free alternative that still delivers on taste and texture. Each grain brings its own unique character to this comforting bowl.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing your cozy quinoa tomato soup ahead of time makes weeknight dinners a breeze! You can chop the onion, carrot, and celery up to 3 days in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. Additionally, cook the quinoa and store it separately in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy your hearty soup, simply heat olive oil, sauté the prepped veggies until softened, then add the cooked quinoa, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and seasonings. Bring it to a quick boil and simmer for about 20 minutes for flavors that meld together beautifully, just as if you made it fresh that day!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the Cozy Quinoa Tomato Soup, make sure to rinse the quinoa before adding it to remove its natural bitterness.
- When sautéing the vegetables, aim for a golden brown color, as this enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, consider adding an extra 1/4 cup of quinoa and reducing the broth slightly.
- Remember, the longer you let it simmer, the more the flavors will develop, so feel free to let it cook a bit longer if time allows.
Cozy Quinoa Tomato Soup Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe vegetables for the soup?
Absolutely! When choosing vegetables, look for firm and vibrant produce. For the onion, select one that is heavy for its size with a smooth, dry outer skin. Tomatoes should be plump and free from any dark spots to ensure they are juicy and flavorful. For the carrot and celery, choose fresh ones that are crisp and bright in color for a delightful texture in your soup.
How should I store leftovers of the cozy quinoa tomato soup?
Very! Transfer any leftover soup into airtight containers and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the soup cool to room temperature before sealing and placing it in the fridge to prevent condensation, which can lead to spoilage. When ready to eat, just reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warm.
Can I freeze the cozy quinoa tomato soup?
Absolutely! To freeze, pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion—about an inch should do the trick. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat it on the stove, stirring occasionally. Add a bit of broth if it thickens too much during freezing.
What do I do if my soup turns out too thick?
No worries! If your cozy quinoa tomato soup ends up too thick, just add small amounts of vegetable broth or water while you reheat it. Stir it in gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Additionally, if you’re cooking the soup and notice it thickening quickly, reduce the amount of quinoa next time or add a little extra broth during cooking to balance the texture.
Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies?
Absolutely, it’s always important to be cautious! If you’re making this cozy quinoa tomato soup for yourself, it’s generally safe for most people. However, if you plan to share it with pets, be mindful that onions and garlic are toxic to dogs and cats, so it’s best kept away from them. For allergies, check labels on broth and canned tomatoes to ensure they’re free from any allergens like gluten or preservatives you might need to avoid.
Can I make substitutions in this cozy quinoa tomato soup?
Very much so! Feel free to mix and match ingredients based on what you have on hand. If you don’t have quinoa, you can substitute with brown rice or even lentils (cooking times may vary). For more flavors, consider adding spices like thyme or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. The more, the merrier—customizing will make this dish even more yours!
Equipment
- Pot
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 cup Quinoa rinsed
- 4 cups Vegetable broth
- 1 can Diced tomatoes 14 oz
- 1 medium Onion diced
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 medium Carrot diced
- 1 stalk Celery diced
For the Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- to taste teaspoon Salt
- to taste teaspoon Pepper
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
Instructions
Instructions
- Begin by warming the olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté them until softened, around 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the quinoa, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, dried basil, and dried oregano.
- Increase the heat until it comes to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Season your soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle the soup into bowls while it’s steaming hot.
