Holiday Soup for the Soul
A comforting and wholesome soup featuring a vibrant blend of vegetables, quinoa, and aromatic spices, perfect for chilly days and cozy gatherings.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 240kcal
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
- 0.5 cup red quinoa, uncooked
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium sweet onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Broth Ingredients
- 1 cube vegetable bouillon (not low sodium)
- 6 cups water, boiled
- 1 can diced tomatoes (15 ounces)
- 1.5-2 cups cooked black beans (about one 15oz can)
Spices and Seasoning
- 1 tsp good-quality curry powder
- 1 pinch cinnamon
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves, well rinsed and roughly chopped
- 0.5 tsp kosher salt, to taste
- to taste freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pinch saffron threads (optional) Adds a wonderful flavor
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-low heat. Add the chopped sweet onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped carrots, zucchini, and minced garlic. Continue to sauté for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Place the vegetable bouillon cube in a medium bowl. Boil 6 cups of water and pour it over the bouillon cube. Stir well until the cube dissolves.
- Add the bouillon mixture, diced tomatoes, red quinoa, black beans, curry powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the pot. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Stir in the roughly chopped spinach, cover the pot, and let it simmer on low for an additional 15-35 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will deepen.
- Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed.
- Ladle the soup into large bowls and garnish with your choice of nuts for added crunch if desired. Enjoy every spoonful!
Notes
You can make this soup a day in advance. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight in the fridge. Just reheat gently when you’re ready to serve. Feel free to toss in other vegetables you have on hand to customize the soup. For a heartier version, add diced chicken or tofu for extra protein.