This quinoa tortilla soup recipe brings together the flavors of traditional tortilla soup with the added health benefits of quinoa. A savory blend of fire-roasted tomatoes, whole kernel corn, garlic, onion, and spices combined with quinoa creates a hearty and satisfying soup. This dish is perfect for a warming dinner on a cold evening or a nourishing lunch any time of the year.
While most ingredients for this recipe are common pantry items like canned tomatoes, beans, corn, and spices, you'll need to look for a couple of specific items. Quinoa is a grain that's often located with rice and other grains in the supermarket. Pasilla chiles, a type of dried chili, are typically found in the international or Mexican food section. These chiles add a rich, smoky flavor to the soup that's absolutely worth seeking out.
Ingredients for Quinoa Tortilla Soup
Pasilla chiles: These are dried chiles that add a smoky flavor and moderate heat to the soup.
Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: These canned tomatoes offer a deep, smoky flavor that enhances the soup.
Vegetable stock: This acts as the base for the soup, providing depth and flavor.
Olive oil: Used to sauté the onions and garlic, adding a subtle richness.
White onion: Adds a sweet and aromatic flavor.
Garlic: Gives an earthy, pungent flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Beans: Provide a source of protein and texture in the soup.
Corn: Adds a sweet crunch.
Quinoa: A grain that provides a satisfying chew and is a great source of protein.
Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor.
Salt and pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
One reader, Auria Doan says:
This quinoa tortilla soup recipe is a game-changer! The blend of flavors is simply divine, and the quinoa adds a delightful texture. It's a hearty and healthy dish that's perfect for a cozy night in. I love how customizable it is with different toppings. A definite must-try!
Key Techniques for Crafting Quinoa Tortilla Soup
How to toast chiles: Heat a stockpot over medium-high heat and toast the chiles for a minute or so, rotating to toast on all sides until fragrant.
How to puree chiles and tomatoes: Blend the toasted chiles, fire-roasted tomatoes, and 1 cup of vegetable stock in a blender or food processor until completely smooth.
How to sauté onions: Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent.
How to simmer the soup: Once all the ingredients are added, bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and continue to simmer until the quinoa is fully cooked, stirring occasionally.
How to season the soup: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.
How to garnish the soup: Serve the soup immediately, garnished with lots of tortilla strips or your favorite toppings.
How To Make Quinoa Tortilla Soup Recipe
Warm yourself with this tortilla soup that packs a punch. Pasilla chilies go well with the earthy taste of quinoa and tart tomatoes. Try this soup now.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4dried pasilla chiles,stemmed and seeded
- 15ozfire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 6cupsvegetable stock,divided
- 1tbspolive oil
- 1mediumwhite onion,peeled and diced
- 4garlic cloves,peeled and minced
- 15ozbeans,rinsed and drained
- ½cupwhole kernel corn
- ½cupquinoa,uncooked
- 2tspground cumin
- sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper
Toppings:
- lots of tortilla strips
Instructions
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Using an electric range, heat your stockpot over medium-high heat and toast the chiles in the dry pot for a minute or so, pressing them down with a wooden spoon or spatula, and rotating to toast on all sides, until fragrant.
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Transfer the chili to a blender or food processor along with tomatoes and 1 cup of vegetable stock. Puree for 1 minute or until completely smooth. Set aside.
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Heat oil in the large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent.
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Add in the garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.
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Add in the remaining can of tomatoes, vegetable stock, beans, corn, quinoa, cumin, and the pureed chile mixture. Stir to combine.
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Continue cooking the soup until it reaches a simmer. Then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and continue to simmer until the quinoa is completely cooked, stirring occasionally.
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Taste and season with a few generous pinches of salt and pepper, as needed.
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Serve immediately, garnished with lots of your favorite toppings.
Recipe Notes
For a spicier soup, add 2 to 3 chilis more.
Nutrition
- Calories: 110.21kcal
- Fat: 3.46g
- Saturated Fat: 0.41g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.59g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.72g
- Carbohydrates: 18.12g
- Fiber: 4.70g
- Sugar: 4.36g
- Protein: 4.01g
- Sodium: 737.67mg
- Calcium: 63.58mg
- Potassium: 419.73mg
- Iron: 2.18mg
- Vitamin A: 98.98µg
- Vitamin C: 16.02mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Quinoa Tortilla Soup Success
When toasting the pasilla chiles, it's crucial not to let them burn as it can introduce a bitter taste to the soup. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the heat as soon as they become fragrant. Additionally, rinsing the quinoa before adding it to the soup can help remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can make it taste bitter or soapy.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and make the puree in advance to save time during the cooking process.
One-pot wonder: Opt for a one-pot cooking method to minimize clean-up and streamline the cooking process.
Batch cooking: Make a larger quantity of the soup and freeze the extra portions for quick and convenient meals in the future.
Efficient chopping: Use a food processor to quickly chop onions, garlic, and other vegetables, saving time and effort.
Instant pot: Consider using a pressure cooker or Instant Pot to significantly reduce the cooking time for the soup.
Pre-cooked ingredients: Utilize pre-cooked or canned beans and corn to cut down on preparation time without sacrificing flavor.
Substitute Ingredients For Quinoa Tortilla Soup Recipe
dried pasilla chiles - Substitute with dried ancho chiles: Ancho chiles have a similar smoky and earthy flavor profile to pasilla chiles, making them a suitable substitute in the recipe.
fire-roasted diced tomatoes - Substitute with canned crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes can provide a similar texture and flavor to fire-roasted diced tomatoes in the soup.
vegetable stock - Substitute with chicken stock: Chicken stock can add a savory depth of flavor to the soup, similar to vegetable stock.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in cooking.
white onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions have a slightly stronger flavor than white onions but can be used as a substitute in most recipes.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic cloves, providing a similar flavor to the dish.
beans - Substitute with lentils: Lentils can add a similar protein and texture to the soup as beans.
whole kernel corn - Substitute with frozen corn: Frozen corn can be used as a convenient substitute for whole kernel corn in the recipe.
quinoa - Substitute with brown rice: Brown rice can be used as a substitute for quinoa, providing a similar nutty flavor and texture to the soup.
ground cumin - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder can add a similar warm and earthy flavor to the soup as ground cumin.
sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper - Substitute with kosher salt and ground black pepper: Kosher salt and ground black pepper can be used as substitutes for sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper in seasoning the soup.
tortilla strips - Substitute with tortilla chips: Tortilla chips can be used as a substitute for tortilla strips as a crunchy topping for the soup.
How to Beautifully Present Quinoa Tortilla Soup
Elevate the plating: When presenting the quinoa tortilla soup, focus on creating a visually appealing presentation. Use a wide-rimmed bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and layers of the soup.
Garnish with flair: Add a pop of color and texture by garnishing the soup with a drizzle of cilantro-lime crema and a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh cilantro. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a burst of fresh flavors.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a contrasting element to the soup by serving it with a side of crispy tortilla strips. This will provide a delightful crunch and elevate the overall dining experience.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component. Ensure that the garnishes are delicately placed to create a balanced and visually stunning presentation.
Emphasize the aroma: As the soup is served, allow the aromatic steam to waft gently towards the diners, enhancing their sensory experience and building anticipation for the flavors to come.
Highlight the quinoa: Showcase the quinoa by ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the soup, adding a wholesome and hearty element to the presentation.
Use elegant servingware: Opt for sophisticated, high-quality servingware that complements the dish and elevates the overall dining experience. Choose a vessel that reflects the elegance and refinement expected in a Michelin-starred setting.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Recipe
- Blender: A kitchen appliance used to blend, puree, or emulsify food and other substances.
- Stockpot: A large pot with a lid, used for making stock, soups, and stews.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Utensils used for stirring, mixing, and flipping ingredients while cooking.
- Electric range: A cooking appliance with burners that are heated by electricity.
- Vegetable peeler: A tool used to remove the outer skin or peel of vegetables.
- Cutting board: A durable board on which food is cut and prepared.
- Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife used for slicing, chopping, and dicing.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Utensils used to measure precise amounts of ingredients for cooking and baking.
- Ladle: A long-handled spoon with a deep bowl, used for serving soups and stews.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle and a lid, used for cooking sauces and heating liquids.
Storing and Freezing Quinoa Tortilla Soup Properly
- Allow the quinoa tortilla soup to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
- When ready to reheat, simply transfer the desired portion to a saucepan and heat over medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of vegetable stock or water to thin out the soup if it has thickened up too much in the fridge.
- For freezing, transfer the cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion. Label the containers with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat frozen soup, you can either let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat it directly from frozen. Transfer the frozen soup to a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until fully thawed and warmed through. You may need to add a bit of vegetable stock or water to adjust the consistency.
- When reheating, be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, as the flavors may have mellowed during storage.
- If you plan on freezing the soup, it's best to leave out any toppings like tortilla strips and add them fresh when serving the reheated soup for optimal texture and flavor.
How To Reheat Leftover Quinoa Tortilla Soup
The best way to reheat leftover quinoa tortilla soup is to use a saucepan on the stovetop. Pour the desired amount of soup into the pan and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your preferred temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the soup is evenly warmed without overcooking the quinoa or other ingredients.
Another option is to use the microwave. Transfer the leftover soup to a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through. Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it may be hot.
If you have a large amount of leftover soup, you can also reheat it in a slow cooker or crockpot. Pour the soup into the slow cooker and set it on low heat for 1-2 hours, or until the soup is fully heated. This method is particularly useful if you want to keep the soup warm for an extended period, such as during a party or gathering.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to stir the soup well to distribute the heat evenly and prevent any hot spots. If the soup seems too thick after reheating, you can add a small amount of vegetable stock or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
When reheating, always ensure that the soup reaches a safe internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature before serving.
Interesting Fact About Quinoa Tortilla Soup
The quinoa tortilla soup recipe is a great source of plant-based protein, as quinoa is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids. Additionally, the pasilla chiles used in the recipe are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants. This soup is a nutritious and flavorful option for those looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet.
Is Making Quinoa Tortilla Soup at Home Cost-Effective?
This quinoa tortilla soup recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as quinoa, beans, and vegetable stock, are affordable and readily available. The use of pantry staples and versatile toppings also adds value. The overall verdict for this recipe is an 8/10, considering its nutritional value, flavor, and ease of preparation. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it a budget-friendly and satisfying meal option.
Is Quinoa Tortilla Soup Healthy or Unhealthy?
This quinoa tortilla soup recipe is a nutritious and wholesome choice. It incorporates several healthy ingredients such as:
- Quinoa: A protein-rich pseudocereal that provides essential amino acids and fiber
- Vegetables: Onion, garlic, and tomatoes offer vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- Beans: A great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates
- Corn: Provides dietary fiber and various nutrients
The use of vegetable stock and the absence of heavy cream or cheese make this soup a lighter option compared to traditional tortilla soups. The pasilla chiles add depth of flavor without relying on excessive salt or fat.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:
- Increase the variety of vegetables by adding bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for additional vitamins and minerals
- Use low-sodium vegetable stock to reduce the overall sodium content
- Opt for black beans or pinto beans for a higher fiber content
- Include a leafy green such as spinach or kale for an extra boost of nutrients
- Limit the amount of tortilla strips used as a topping, or replace them with baked tortilla strips to reduce the calorie and fat content
- Add a squeeze of lime juice before serving to enhance the flavor and provide a dose of vitamin C
By incorporating these modifications, you can create an even healthier version of this already nutritious quinoa tortilla soup. The combination of plant-based proteins, fiber-rich vegetables, and wholesome grains makes this dish a satisfying and nourishing meal that supports overall well-being.
Editor's Opinion on the Quinoa Tortilla Soup Recipe
This quinoa tortilla soup recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of pasilla chiles, fire-roasted tomatoes, and quinoa creates a rich and hearty base, while the addition of beans and corn adds a satisfying depth. The use of vegetable stock and aromatic spices infuses the soup with a comforting warmth. Topped with crispy tortilla strips, this soup offers a delightful contrast of textures. It's a well-balanced and nutritious dish that is sure to please the palate and warm the soul.
Enhance Your Quinoa Tortilla Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Quinoa Tortilla Soup Recipe:
This recipe is a trustworthy choice for your kitchen because it features fire-roasted diced tomatoes and quinoa, which are packed with essential nutrients and add a delightful texture to the soup. The use of dried pasilla chiles and ground cumin ensures an authentic and robust flavor profile. Additionally, the incorporation of beans and whole kernel corn provides a hearty and satisfying element to the dish. With a balanced combination of wholesome ingredients and a well-crafted cooking method, this recipe guarantees a delicious and nutritious dining experience.
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