This curry chicken and quinoa soup is not only a hearty and comforting dish but also packed with nutritious ingredients. The blend of spices and tender chicken combined with the richness of heavy cream or coconut milk makes it a perfect meal for any time of the year.
Some ingredients in this recipe, such as fresh ginger, ground coriander, turmeric, and fire-roasted diced tomatoes, might not be commonly found in every kitchen. When visiting the supermarket, make sure to pick these items up, as they are essential for creating the authentic flavor profile of this delightful soup.
Ingredients For Curry Chicken And Quinoa Soup
Olive oil: A healthy fat used for sautéing the vegetables and spices.
Carrots: Adds sweetness and texture to the soup.
Yellow onion: Provides a savory base flavor.
Bell pepper: Adds a colorful crunch and sweetness.
Fresh ginger: Brings a fragrant, zesty warmth.
Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic flavor.
Ground coriander: A spice with a citrusy, slightly sweet note.
Ground cumin: Adds an earthy and warm flavor.
Paprika: Contributes a mild sweetness and color.
Turmeric: Provides a warm, slightly bitter taste and vibrant color.
Ground cinnamon: Adds a hint of sweetness and exotic aroma.
Cayenne pepper: Brings a touch of heat to the soup.
Chicken broth: Forms the savory liquid base of the soup.
Fire roasted diced tomatoes: Adds a smoky flavor and acidity.
Quinoa: A protein-rich grain that adds texture and nutrition.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
Black pepper: Adds a sharp, spicy undertone.
Shredded chicken: Provides protein and makes the soup hearty.
Chick peas: Adds creaminess and additional protein.
Heavy cream or coconut milk: Adds richness and smoothness.
Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish.
One reader, Abramo Shoemaker says:
This curry chicken and quinoa soup is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The spices are perfectly balanced, and the quinoa adds a wonderful heartiness. It's comforting, nutritious, and incredibly easy to make. A new favorite in our household!
Cooking Techniques for Curry Chicken and Quinoa Soup
How to peel and mince fresh ginger: Use a spoon to scrape off the skin of the ginger, then finely chop it with a knife. How to mince garlic: Peel the garlic cloves, then finely chop them with a knife or use a garlic press. How to dice vegetables: Cut the carrots, onion, and bell pepper into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. How to rinse and drain quinoa: Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear, then let it drain completely. How to shred cooked chicken: Use two forks to pull apart the cooked chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. How to drain and rinse chickpeas: Pour the chickpeas into a colander, rinse them under cold water, and let them drain.
How To Make Curry Chicken and Quinoa Soup
Enjoy a hearty bowl of quinoa soup for your next dinner meal! It’s loaded with tender chicken, tasteful veggies and seasoning for a belly-filling dish.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2½tbspolive oil
- 3medium carrots,diced
- 1large yellow onion
- 1large bell pepper,red or yellow, diced
- 1tbspfresh ginger,peeled and finely minced
- 6garlic cloves,minced
- 1tbspground coriander
- 2tspground cumin
- ¾tsppaprika
- ¾tspturmeric
- ½tspground cinnamon
- ⅛tspcayenne pepper,or more to taste
- 14.5ozlow-sodium chicken broth
- 15ozfire roasted diced tomatoes
- ½cupquinoa,well rinsed and drained
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2cupschicken breasts ,or thighs, cooked and shredded
- 14.5ozchick peas,drained and rinsed
- ½cupheavy cream,or coconut milk
- ¼cupcilantro,chopped
Instructions
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Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
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Add in the carrots, onion, bell pepper, and ginger, then sauté for 5 minutes.
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Add in the garlic, then sauté for 1 minute.
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Toss in the coriander, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon and cayenne pepper, then sauté for 1 minute.
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Pour in the chicken broth, tomatoes, and quinoa, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
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Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes, until the quinoa is tender.
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Stir in the chicken, chick peas, and cream, then heat through for 1 minute.
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Stir in the cilantro.
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Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 424.91kcal
- Fat: 22.26g
- Saturated Fat: 7.73g
- Trans Fat: 0.08g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.81g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.24g
- Carbohydrates: 33.09g
- Fiber: 8.83g
- Sugar: 10.11g
- Protein: 25.26g
- Cholesterol: 75.39mg
- Sodium: 962.85mg
- Calcium: 116.82mg
- Potassium: 889.04mg
- Iron: 4.14mg
- Vitamin A: 448.46µg
- Vitamin C: 76.44mg
Expert Tip for Perfecting This Soup Recipe
When sautéing the carrots, onion, bell pepper, and ginger, make sure to cut them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. This will help develop a consistent flavor base for the soup. Additionally, when adding the spices like coriander, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper, sauté them for a full minute to allow the spices to bloom and release their essential oils, enhancing the overall depth of flavor in the dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Soup Recipe
Use pre-cooked chicken: Save time by using rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.
Pre-chop vegetables: Dice carrots, onion, and bell pepper in advance and store them in the fridge.
Measure spices ahead: Pre-measure your spices and store them in a small container for quick addition.
Use canned chickpeas: Opt for canned chickpeas to skip the soaking and cooking process.
Rinse quinoa in bulk: Rinse a larger batch of quinoa and store it in the fridge for multiple uses.
Opt for coconut milk: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a quicker, dairy-free option.
Substitute Ingredients For Curry Chicken and Quinoa Soup Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a subtle tropical flavor that complements the curry spices.
carrots - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes provide a similar sweetness and texture, enhancing the soup's heartiness.
yellow onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, slightly sweeter flavor that works well in soups.
red or yellow bell pepper - Substitute with poblano pepper: Poblano peppers add a mild heat and a rich, earthy flavor.
fresh ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used in a pinch, though fresh ginger provides a more vibrant taste.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is unavailable, though fresh garlic offers a more robust flavor.
ground coriander - Substitute with ground cumin: Ground cumin has a warm, earthy flavor that can stand in for coriander.
ground cumin - Substitute with ground caraway seeds: Caraway seeds have a similar earthy flavor profile to cumin.
paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth that enhances the soup's complexity.
turmeric - Substitute with saffron: Saffron provides a similar color and a unique, slightly sweet flavor.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with ground allspice: Allspice offers a warm, slightly sweet flavor that can mimic cinnamon.
cayenne pepper - Substitute with red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes provide a similar heat level and can be adjusted to taste.
low-sodium chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a great alternative for a vegetarian version of the soup.
fire roasted diced tomatoes - Substitute with regular diced tomatoes: Regular diced tomatoes can be used if fire-roasted are unavailable, though they lack the smoky flavor.
quinoa - Substitute with brown rice: Brown rice offers a similar texture and nutritional profile.
shredded chicken breasts or thighs - Substitute with tofu: Tofu is a great plant-based protein alternative that absorbs the soup's flavors well.
chick peas - Substitute with cannellini beans: Cannellini beans have a similar texture and mild flavor.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a creamy texture and a subtle coconut flavor that complements the curry spices.
cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley provides a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that can replace cilantro.
Presentation Tips for Curry Chicken and Quinoa Soup
Serve in a deep, elegant bowl: Choose a pristine white bowl with a deep base to allow the vibrant colors of the curry chicken and quinoa soup to stand out.
Layer the ingredients: Start by placing a small mound of quinoa at the bottom of the bowl. Gently ladle the soup over the quinoa, ensuring an even distribution of carrots, onions, bell peppers, and chickpeas.
Highlight the chicken: Arrange a few pieces of shredded chicken prominently on top of the soup. This not only adds texture but also showcases the protein element of the dish.
Drizzle with cream: Lightly drizzle a small amount of heavy cream or coconut milk in a circular pattern on the surface of the soup. This adds a touch of elegance and creaminess.
Garnish with cilantro: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top. The green color adds a fresh contrast to the rich hues of the soup.
Add a touch of spice: For an extra layer of sophistication, lightly dust the top with a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a subtle kick.
Serve with a side: Accompany the soup with a small side of naan bread or pita, neatly folded and placed on a separate plate. This provides a complementary texture and flavor.
Use microgreens: Add a few microgreens on top of the cilantro garnish. This adds a touch of sophistication and a slight crunch.
Finish with a touch of oil: Just before serving, drizzle a few drops of high-quality olive oil around the edge of the bowl. This adds a glossy finish and a hint of richness.
Serve immediately: Ensure the soup is served hot to maintain its flavors and textures. The steam rising from the bowl adds to the sensory experience.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Soup
Large pot: To cook the soup and combine all the ingredients together.
Wooden spoon: For stirring the ingredients as they cook.
Chef's knife: To chop and dice the vegetables and mince the garlic and ginger.
Cutting board: A surface to safely chop and dice the vegetables and other ingredients.
Measuring spoons: To measure out the spices and other small quantity ingredients accurately.
Measuring cups: For measuring the chicken broth, quinoa, and other larger quantity ingredients.
Can opener: To open the cans of chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and chickpeas.
Colander: To rinse and drain the quinoa and chickpeas.
Peeler: To peel the fresh ginger.
Ladle: For serving the soup into bowls.
Mixing bowl: To hold the chopped vegetables before adding them to the pot.
Grater: Optional, for finely mincing the ginger if you prefer not to use a knife.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Curry Chicken Soup
- Allow the curry chicken and quinoa soup to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled soup into an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
- If you plan to freeze the soup, consider the following steps:
- Omit the heavy cream or coconut milk if you haven't added it yet. Dairy products tend to separate and become grainy when frozen and reheated. You can add the cream or coconut milk when reheating the soup.
- Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Leave some space at the top for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Place the containers or bags in the freezer, ensuring they lie flat for even freezing.
- The frozen curry chicken and quinoa soup will maintain its best quality for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat the refrigerated soup, simply warm it in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- For frozen soup, you can either thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or reheat it directly from frozen:
- If thawed, transfer the soup to a pot and reheat gently over medium heat, stirring frequently.
- If reheating from frozen, place the frozen soup in a pot and warm it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it melts and heats through. Avoid high heat to prevent scorching.
- If you didn't add the heavy cream or coconut milk before freezing, stir it in during the reheating process once the soup is hot.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed, as flavors may slightly diminish after freezing and reheating.
- Serve the reheated curry chicken and quinoa soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
The Best Ways to Reheat Leftover Curry Chicken Soup
Reheat the curry chicken and quinoa soup in a pot on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method ensures even heating and allows the flavors to meld together.
If the soup has thickened during storage, add a small amount of chicken broth or water to thin it out to your preferred consistency while reheating.
For a quicker reheating option, transfer individual portions of the soup to microwave-safe bowls and heat on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through.
To maintain the best texture of the quinoa and vegetables, avoid overcooking the soup during the reheating process.
If you have stored the shredded chicken separately from the soup, add it to the reheated soup just before serving to prevent it from drying out or becoming tough.
Taste the reheated soup and adjust the seasoning if needed, as flavors may have mellowed during storage. Add a pinch of salt, black pepper, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten up the flavors.
Garnish the reheated soup with fresh cilantro and a dollop of yogurt or sour cream for added freshness and creaminess.
If you have any leftover naan or crusty bread, warm it up and serve alongside the reheated soup for a satisfying and comforting meal.
Interesting Trivia About Curry Chicken and Quinoa Soup
A random fact about this curry chicken and quinoa soup recipe is that it combines the protein-rich quinoa with the aromatic spices of curry, creating a nutritious and flavorful dish.
Budget-Friendly: Making Curry Chicken Soup at Home
Analyzing the cost-effectiveness of this curry chicken and quinoa soup recipe, it scores an 8 out of 10. The use of rotisserie chicken, quinoa, and chickpeas offers a nutritious and filling meal without breaking the bank. The inclusion of vegetables like carrots, onions, and bell peppers adds both flavor and health benefits. The spices, while potentially a one-time investment, can be used in multiple dishes. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20-$25, making it a reasonably priced option for a hearty and flavorful meal.
Is This Curry Chicken Soup Healthy?
This curry chicken and quinoa soup recipe is a nutritious and flavorful dish that offers several health benefits. The combination of lean chicken, fiber-rich quinoa, and an array of vegetables provides a balanced meal packed with protein, complex carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals. The use of olive oil, a healthy fat, and an abundance of spices like ginger, garlic, and turmeric, which have anti-inflammatory properties, further enhances the soup's nutritional value.
However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of heavy cream or coconut milk to lower the overall fat and calorie content. Alternatively, you could use a low-fat milk alternative or omit it altogether.
- Increase the variety of vegetables by adding leafy greens like spinach or kale, which are rich in vitamins and minerals.
- Opt for low-sodium or no-salt-added chicken broth to reduce the sodium content of the dish.
- Consider using a leaner cut of chicken, such as skinless chicken breast, to further reduce the fat content.
- Experiment with different types of quinoa, such as red or black quinoa, to increase the variety of nutrients and antioxidants in the soup.
Our Editor's Opinion on This Curry Chicken Soup
This curry chicken and quinoa soup recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of spices like coriander, cumin, and turmeric creates a rich, aromatic base, while the addition of fresh ginger and garlic adds depth. The quinoa and chickpeas provide a hearty, nutritious element, and the use of either heavy cream or coconut milk gives a creamy finish. The cilantro adds a fresh, vibrant touch at the end. Overall, it's a well-balanced, comforting dish that's perfect for a cozy meal.
Enhance Your Curry Chicken and Quinoa Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Curry Chicken Soup
Why trust this Curry Chicken and Quinoa Soup Recipe:
This curry chicken and quinoa soup recipe is a must-try for its rich blend of spices and wholesome ingredients. The use of fresh ginger and garlic adds depth, while the quinoa and chickpeas provide a hearty texture. The addition of heavy cream or coconut milk gives it a creamy finish. With rotisserie chicken for convenience, this dish is both flavorful and easy to prepare. Trust this recipe for a comforting and nutritious meal.
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