Are you ready to elevate your soup game with a vibrant and nourishing dish? Look no further than this Chickpea Quinoa Lemon Soup! Bursting with Mediterranean flavors and packed with protein, this delightful recipe is not only quick to prepare but also a feast for the senses. In just 45 minutes, you can whip up a comforting bowl of goodness that will warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're seeking a hearty meal for a chilly evening or a light yet satisfying lunch, this soup is the answer. Dive into the recipe below and discover how to create this deliciously wholesome dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: quinoa, chickpeas, onion, carrots, celery, vegetable broth, lemon, garlic, cumin, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley.
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine mesh strainer. This helps remove any bitterness from the quinoa.
- In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Next, add the diced carrots and celery to the pot. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.
- Stir in the rinsed quinoa and cumin, mixing everything together for about 1-2 minutes to toast the quinoa slightly.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
- Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- After 20 minutes, add the drained and rinsed chickpeas to the pot. Stir well and allow the soup to heat through for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
- Enjoy your Chickpea Quinoa Lemon Soup as a nourishing meal, perfect for any time of the year!
Tips
- Rinse the Quinoa: Don’t skip rinsing the quinoa! This crucial step removes any bitterness, resulting in a more pleasant flavor in your soup.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Take your time when sautéing the onions and garlic. This step builds a rich flavor base, making your soup even more delicious.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables you have on hand, such as bell peppers or spinach, to enhance the nutritional value and flavor.
- Adjust the Lemon: The amount of lemon juice can be adjusted based on your taste preference. Start with less and add more until you reach your desired level of brightness.
- Garnish for Freshness: Don’t forget the fresh parsley! It adds a pop of color and freshness that elevates the dish. Consider adding a sprinkle of lemon zest for an extra zing!
- Make it Ahead: This soup keeps well in the fridge for a few days and can be frozen for later. Just make sure to leave out the lemon juice until you're ready to serve to keep the flavors fresh.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your soup with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and healthy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
