Are you craving a meal that's not just delicious, but also packed with nutrition and bursting with flavor? Look no further than this mouthwatering Southwestern Quinoa Black Bean Soup that promises to transform your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary! In just 30 minutes, you'll create a hearty, protein-rich dish that will warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds with its perfect blend of wholesome ingredients and vibrant spices.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Southwestern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Avocado for topping
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the aromatic flavors.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add quinoa, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot.
- Simmer the quinoa for approximately 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add drained and rinsed black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cumin, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients.
- Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and ensure all ingredients are heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or cumin to suit your preference.
- Ladle the soup into serving bowls and top with fresh diced avocado for added creaminess and freshness.
- Serve hot and enjoy your nutritious Southwestern-style Quinoa Black Bean Soup.
Tips
- Rinse your quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitter saponin coating and ensure a clean, nutty flavor.
- For maximum flavor development, consider toasting your cumin in the pot with the onions and garlic for about 30 seconds before adding other ingredients.
- If you want a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend some of the soup, leaving some whole beans and quinoa for texture.
- Make this soup even more customizable by adding additional toppings like cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
- This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep and quick future meals.
- For a protein boost, consider adding shredded chicken or tofu to make the soup even more filling.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
