Creamy Garden Tomato & Quinoa Soup

Creamy Garden Tomato & Quinoa Soup

This hearty garden tomato soup is loaded with vegetables. To thicken the soup, we puree it before adding the quinoa. Half-and-half and milk add creaminess and cut the acidity of the tomatoes, adding balance and letting the garden-fresh flavors shine.

Ingredients

  • extra-virgin olive oil
    1 tbsp
  • chopped yellow onion
    2 c
  • chopped carrot
    1 c
  • chopped celery
    1 c
  • chopped red bell pepper
    1 c
  • chopped garlic
    1 tbsp
  • dried oregano
    2 tsp
  • dried basil
    2 tsp
  • dried thyme
    1 tsp
  • salt
    1 tsp
  • coarsely ground pepper
    1 tsp
  • cans no-salt-added whole tomatoes
    2
  • reduced-fat milk
    2 ½ c
  • half-and-half
    2 c
  • red quinoa
    ½ c
  • fresh basil and/or flat-leaf parsley leaves for garnish

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in carrots, celery and bell pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, salt and pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon to break up the tomatoes, until thickened, 30 to 40 minutes. Remove from heat.

  2. 2

    Stir in milk and half-and-half. Puree the soup with an immersion blender until thickened and smooth, about 1 minute. (Alternatively, pour the soup into a blender. Secure the lid on the blender and remove the center piece to allow steam to escape. Place a clean towel over the opening. Process until thickened and smooth, about 1 minute. Use caution when blending hot liquids.)

  3. 3

    Stir in quinoa and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat; cook, stirring often, until the quinoa is tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Garnish with basil and/or parsley, if desired.

Creamy Garden Tomato & Quinoa Soup

Creamy Garden Tomato & Quinoa Soup

229 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving a bowl of comforting, garden-fresh flavor that truly nourishes? This Creamy Garden Tomato & Quinoa Soup delivers a hearty, vegetable-packed experience that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Why This Soup Works

The secret to this soup's satisfying texture and balanced taste lies in a clever technique: we puree the vegetable-rich base before adding the quinoa. This creates a wonderfully smooth, thick body without relying on heavy thickeners. The generous addition of reduced-fat milk and half-and-half then mellows the acidity of the tomatoes, ensuring every spoonful is perfectly creamy and never overly sharp.

What truly sets this soup apart is its vibrant, garden-fresh profile. You'll taste the sweet complexity of sun-ripened tomatoes, complemented by the earthy notes of onion, carrot, celery, and red bell pepper. The red quinoa adds a delightful chewiness and makes each serving incredibly substantial, while a thoughtful blend of dried oregano, basil, and thyme infuses a comforting, herbaceous aroma. This soup is a genuinely hearty choice, packed with vegetables, and offers a delicious and satisfying experience at around 229 calories per serving.

Customization & Variations

While delicious as written, this soup is also versatile. If you don't have red quinoa on hand, white quinoa will work just as well, offering a similar texture and nutritional boost. For an extra pop of fresh flavor, consider varying the fresh herbs used for garnish—try fresh dill or chives alongside or instead of basil and parsley. You can also adjust the amount of dried herbs to suit your taste, adding a little more for a bolder herby presence.

This Creamy Garden Tomato & Quinoa Soup is a perfect, warming meal on its own, making for a robust lunch or a light, yet fulfilling, dinner. Serve it with a crusty piece of bread for dipping, or a simple side salad to complete the meal. The fresh basil or parsley garnish not only adds a beautiful visual touch but also brightens the entire dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

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