Peruvian Quinoa Soup

This delicious Quinoa Soup is a traditional dish from Peru. It’s incredibly simple to make, protein-packed, and filled with flavor. The nutrient-dense ingredients will nourish your mind, body, and spirit!

I often make soup on Sunday during the fall and winter months. I love having something healthy to eat in my refrigerator to heat up instantly for lunch or a snack.  I often have soup for breakfast, it’s warmer than a green smoothie and just as nourishing.

History of Quinoa

Quinoa (pronounced keen-wa)is a grain that comes from the Andes Mountains of South America. Quinoa’s origins are truly ancient, cultivated and used by pre-Columbian civilizations. 

It was one of the most sacred foods of the ancient Incas, a plant so nourishing, delicious and vital, they called it chesiya mama; the ‘mother grain’. 

Quinoa is a high protein, low glycemic, gluten free grain which fills you up and gives you energy. Botanically speaking, it’s not a grain, it’s a seed but is eaten the same way as a grain.

Like many of the ancient grains, quinoa slipped into obscurity in 1532 with the arrival of the Spanish. That all changed in the 1970’s when quinoa was reintroduced to us in the modern world.

Since then, it has experienced a huge surge in popularity because of its high nutrient content and health benefits. It is also easy to grow in a range of conditions.

In fact, the year 2013 was named “The International Year of Quinoa” by the UN because of its valuable qualities and potential to fight world hunger.

Many varieties of quinoa exist in the Andes, but the most widely grown types are red, black and white. There is also a tricolor variety, which is a mixture of all three.

Ingredients and Substitutions for Peruvian Quinoa Soup

This is a hearty peasant soup made with simple nourishing ingredients.

Quinoa is a great source of protein and fiber. I use white quinoa but red is also good.

Leeks have a sweet, oniony flavor that adds depth to soups. If you don’t have a leek add more onion.

Onions and Garlic are packed with nutrients. They are potent nature-made antibiotics with strong anti-fungal and antibacterial qualities.

Celery and carrots are part of the mirepoix, the aromatic vegetable base that adds lots of flavor to the base of the soup.

Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable high in glucosinolates which have strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to protect our cells.

Sweet Potatoes are high in Vitamin A and fiber which helps keep your eyes healthy as well as your immune system. Butternut squash can be substituted

White Turnips have a delicate slightly peppery taste.  You can substitute parsnips or celery root or add more carrots. 

Cumin has a rich and hearty, earthy and warm taste that adds depth to the soup.

Chili Powder is a blend of ground dried chiles and other spices. It can be mild to moderately spicy. Ancho chili powder can be substituted.

Apple Cider Vinegar is used to balance and enhance the flavors. Lemon juice can be substituted.

I like to serve this Peruvian Quinoa Soup topped with parsley and fresh tomatoes (when in season) or roasted red peppers A sprinkle of red pepper flakes is a simple garnish.

This hearty soup makes a great lunch or breakfast. Like most soups, it tastes even better the next day. 

It’s perfect as a side dish for dinner with 3 Ingredient Honey Mustard Chicken or Easy Sautéed Tempeh

You can store this soup in the refrigerator for4 days, or freeze it for up to a month.

I hope you love this soup. It’s hearty, healthy, packed with flavor, high protein and comforting.

If you like this delicious recipe you may also like these soups

     Healing Cabbage Mushroom Soup

     Golden Red Lentil and Kale Soup

     Soothing Ginger Turmeric Carrot Soup

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Post and photos updated Oct 6, 2022

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