Ingredients and Weight:
- Quinoa: 1 cup
- Carrots: 150 grams (chopped)
- Celery: 100 grams (chopped)
- Onion: 1 medium (chopped)
- Garlic: 3 cloves (minced)
- Low-sodium vegetable broth: 4 cups
- Baby spinach: 100 grams
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Fresh herbs (such as basil or oregano): 1 tablespoon (chopped)
- Additional seasoning (optional): red pepper flakes or ground cumin
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- In a large pot, bring vegetable broth to a boil.
- Add chopped carrots, celery, and onions. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, rinse and then cook quinoa in a separate pot according to package instructions.
- Add cooked quinoa to the vegetable pot along with garlic and baby spinach.
- Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Add optional seasoning if desired.
- Simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until flavors are well combined and the soup reaches your desired thickness.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutritional Information:
(Based on the ingredients provided)
Calories: approximately 250 per serving (assuming 2 cups of soup per serving)
Other nutritional information such as protein, carbs, fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Dish Characteristics:
- Vegan-friendly
- Gluten-free (if using gluten-free quinoa and broth)
- Rich in vegetables and fiber
- Hearty and comforting soup that is perfect for colder weather or as a vegetarian main dish.
User Comments:
- "This soup was so comforting and filling! The quinoa added a nice texture and the fresh herbs brought out the flavor." - John Doe
- "I love how easy this recipe is to make yet so flavorful. The perfect dish for a busy weeknight." - Jane Smith
- "I added some chicken breast chunks to this soup to make it more of a meal. It was delicious!" - Michael Johnson
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use a variety of fresh herbs to add depth of flavor to the soup (try basil, oregano, or even a mix of both).
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of vegetable broth or cook longer to let the quinoa release its starch and help thicken the soup.
