Swedish-Inspired Quinoa Soup

Ingredients

In this Swedish adaptation of the Peruvian sopa de quinoa, we incorporate Swedish herbs and spices to infuse the soup with Nordic flavors. The original dish typically includes Peruvian ingredients like aji amarillo (yellow chili pepper) and huacatay (Peruvian black mint), which are replaced with Swedish herbs such as dill, parsley, and thyme. Additionally, the traditional Peruvian garnishes like queso fresco and avocado are substituted with fresh Nordic herbs for a distinctly Swedish touch. We alse have the original recipe for Sopa de quinoa, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (185g) quinoa 1 cup (185g) quinoa
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 6 cups (1.4L) vegetable broth 6 cups (1.4L) vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried dill 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 6g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
3. 3.
   Add the rinsed quinoa to the pot and stir to combine with the vegetables.
4. 4.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and tender.
5. 5.
   Stir in the dried dill, dried parsley, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
6. 6.
   Remove the pot from the heat and let the soup rest for a few minutes.
7. 7.
   Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
8. 8.
   Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Quinoa — Rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove the natural coating called saponin, which can give it a bitter taste if not washed off.

Tips & Tricks

• For added creaminess, you can stir in a splash of oat cream or coconut milk before serving.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or spinach to the soup for extra nutrition and flavor.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the cooked soup and then mix it back into the pot.

Serving advice

Serve the Swedish-inspired quinoa soup as a comforting main course for lunch or dinner. Accompany it with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish each bowl of soup with a sprig of fresh parsley to add a pop of color and freshness. Serve the soup in beautiful ceramic bowls to enhance the visual appeal.