Craving a warm, comforting bowl of soup that’s both hearty and healthy? Look no further than this Slow Cooker Quinoa Tortilla Soup! Packed with protein-rich quinoa, vibrant veggies, and zesty spices, this Mexican-inspired dish is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it, letting your slow cooker work its magic while you go about your day. Dive into a bowl of this flavorful soup that’s sure to impress your family and friends—your taste buds will thank you!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lime, juiced
- Tortilla strips for serving
- Avocado for garnish
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitter coating, then drain well.
- Dice the onion into small, uniform pieces and mince the garlic cloves finely.
- In a 6-quart slow cooker, combine the rinsed quinoa, drained black beans, drained corn, diced tomatoes, diced onion, and minced garlic.
- Pour the vegetable broth over the ingredients, ensuring all components are mostly covered.
- Add chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker, stirring gently to distribute the spices evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat, cooking for 6 hours to allow flavors to meld and quinoa to become tender.
- After cooking time is complete, squeeze fresh lime juice into the soup and stir to incorporate.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips.
- Garnish with fresh diced avocado and chopped cilantro just before serving.
Tips
- Rinse Your Quinoa: Always rinse quinoa under cold water before cooking to eliminate its natural bitter coating, enhancing the soup's flavor.
- Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor!
- Spice It Up: Adjust the amount of chili powder and cumin according to your spice preference. For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper!
- Cooking Time: If you're short on time, you can cook on high for about 3 hours instead of low for 6 hours.
- Fresh Ingredients: Adding fresh lime juice just before serving brightens the flavors and gives the soup a refreshing twist.
- Garnish Creatively: Experiment with toppings! Try adding shredded cheese, sour cream, or jalapeños for a delicious twist.
- Storage Tips: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
