If you’re looking for a comforting, nourishing bowl that’s packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients, this Mushroom Quinoa Soup Recipe is absolutely the way to go. I love this recipe because it’s not only super easy to make, but it’s also a beautiful marriage of earthy mushrooms and nutty quinoa swimming in a fragrant broth. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just want something light yet satisfying, this soup will warm you right up and leave you feeling content and energized. Stick with me and I’ll walk you through every step so you can nail it perfectly in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Wholesome and Healthy: This soup is packed with veggies and quinoa, giving you a nutrient-rich, vegan, and gluten-free meal.
- Simple Ingredients: You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store – no fancy or hard-to-find items required.
- Deep, Savory Flavors: The combination of cremini and white mushrooms with fresh herbs brings a comforting umami depth you’ll crave.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: It freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy leftovers or prep ahead for busy days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The heart of this Mushroom Quinoa Soup Recipe is all about fresh, simple, and complementary ingredients. These flavors work together perfectly to create a balanced and satisfying soup. Here’s what I use and why you’ll want to keep these key ingredients on hand.
- Olive Oil: I prefer extra virgin for that fruity richness that gently cooks the veggies without overpowering the flavors.
- Yellow Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and forms the aromatic base along with the garlic.
- Carrots: Their natural sweetness brightens the broth and adds lovely texture.
- Celery: Provides a gentle earthiness and balances the sweetness from carrots and onions.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the soup with warmth and depth.
- Bay Leaves: These bring a subtle herbal complexity – don’t skip them!
- Fresh Thyme: I use fresh herbs for a vibrant, garden-fresh flavor; dried would work too but fresh is best.
- White Mushrooms: Their delicate flavor and texture complement the deeper, meatier cremini mushrooms.
- Cremini Mushrooms: Adds richness and a bit of earthiness that I love in this soup.
- Low Sodium Vegetable Broth: I always go for low sodium so I can control the saltiness as I season.
- Quinoa: A protein-packed grain that gives the soup body and a lovely chewy bite.
- Salt and Black Pepper: For seasoning, adjusted to your taste.
Variations
I’ve played around with this Mushroom Quinoa Soup Recipe a bit, and it really adapts nicely to whatever you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!
- Add Greens: Toss in a handful of spinach or kale at the very end for extra color and nutrients — my family loves this boost!
- Swap Mushrooms: If you find shiitake or portobello mushrooms, give them a try for an even earthier depth of flavor.
- Use Chicken Broth: If you’re not vegan, chicken broth adds a cozy richness that everyone will appreciate.
- Add Heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika adds a subtle warmth without overpowering the mushroom flavor.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or cashew cream at the end for a luscious, creamy texture.
How to Make Mushroom Quinoa Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics and Veggies
Start by heating the olive oil over medium heat in a large soup pot. Once the oil shimmers, add your diced onion, carrots, and celery. Stir often and let them soften until they’re tender — about 5 minutes. This base is what builds so much flavor, so don’t rush it! Once the veggies are softened, add in the minced garlic, bay leaves, fresh thyme, and both types of sliced mushrooms. Keep stirring and cook them for another 5 minutes until the mushrooms have released their moisture and start to become tender. You’ll notice the kitchen filling with that mouthwatering mushroom aroma, which always makes me excited to keep going.
Step 2: Simmer the Soup with Quinoa
Pour in the vegetable broth and turn the heat up just enough to bring the liquid to a boil. Now, add your rinsed quinoa straight into the pot. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and let the soup cook uncovered for about 20 minutes. This gives the quinoa time to swell and soften, soaking up all those delicious mushroom flavors. I like to stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom. By the end, you should have a hearty broth with tender quinoa and perfectly cooked veggies. Finally, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste — I always start with a little and adjust as I go to make sure it hits just right.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls while it’s hot and get ready for some serious comfort in a bowl! This recipe serves nicely as a stand-alone meal or alongside a crusty piece of bread. And if you have leftovers (which you probably will because it’s that good), keep reading for my storage tips so nothing goes to waste.
Pro Tips for Making Mushroom Quinoa Soup Recipe
- Rinse Your Quinoa: Always give quinoa a good rinse before cooking to remove its natural bitterness; you’ll thank me later!
- Sauté Slowly: Don’t rush the veggie sauté — building those flavors upfront really makes the soup shine.
- Watch the Quinoa: Keep an eye on the simmer and stir occasionally to keep the quinoa from sticking or clumping.
- Adjust Seasonings Late: I season gently at first and adjust after simmering because broth and quinoa absorb salt differently as they cook.
How to Serve Mushroom Quinoa Soup Recipe
Garnishes
When I serve this soup, I love topping it off with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme — it adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous brightness. A dash of freshly cracked black pepper right before serving elevates each spoonful. Sometimes, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving really wakes up the flavors, especially if you want a little brightness to contrast the earthiness of the mushrooms.
Side Dishes
This Mushroom Quinoa Soup Recipe is quite hearty on its own, but I often pair it with toasted sourdough bread or garlic bread to round out the meal. For something lighter, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the soup beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this soup in rustic bread bowls — it’s such a fun presentation and makes the meal feel extra cozy. Another idea is to drizzle a little truffle oil on top for an indulgent mushroom boost that guests absolutely adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
When I store leftover Mushroom Quinoa Soup, I let it cool completely before sealing it in airtight containers. I keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days, and the flavors actually deepen, making leftovers even better the next day.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully, which makes it perfect for meal prepping. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze it for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
I reheat my soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup seems a bit thick after refrigerating or freezing, I add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up without diluting the flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use other grains instead of quinoa in this Mushroom Quinoa Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While quinoa adds a nice texture and protein punch, you can substitute with brown rice, barley, or even millet. Just keep in mind different grains have variable cooking times, so adjust your simmering accordingly.
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Is this Mushroom Quinoa Soup Recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free when you use vegetable broth. It’s a fantastic option for those with dietary restrictions looking for a warm, satisfying meal.
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How do I store leftover Mushroom Quinoa Soup Recipe?
Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in proper containers for up to one month. Reheat gently to preserve texture and flavor.
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Can I add protein to this soup?
Definitely! For a non-vegan version, diced cooked chicken or turkey makes a great addition. For plant-based protein, chickpeas or white beans blend seamlessly both in flavor and texture.
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How do I enhance the mushroom flavor in this soup?
Using a mix of mushrooms, like cremini and white button, gives a good depth. For an extra savory punch, a splash of soy sauce or a bit of dried porcini powder added while cooking can intensify the umami.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Mushroom Quinoa Soup Recipe turns out every time — there’s something so comforting about the earthy mushrooms paired with protein-packed quinoa in a fragrant herb broth. This recipe reminds me of cozy weekends spent cooking with my family, swapping stories while the soup gently simmers on the stove. If you want a healthy, satisfying meal that’s as easy as it is delicious, give this a try — I promise it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, just like it did in mine.
PrintMushroom Quinoa Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Mushroom Quinoa Soup is a wholesome, hearty, and nourishing vegan soup featuring two types of mushrooms, fresh vegetables, and protein-packed quinoa. It’s perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day, offering rich flavors from fresh thyme and garlic, and a comforting broth that warms you from the inside out. This soup is gluten-free, low in sodium, and easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, minced
Mushrooms
- 1 8 oz package white mushrooms, stems removed and sliced
- 1 8 oz package cremini mushrooms, stems removed and sliced
Liquids and Grains
- 2 quarts low sodium vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed
Seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the base vegetables: Place a soup pot over medium heat and coat the bottom with olive oil. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook these vegetables until they become tender and aromatic, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking or burning.
- Add mushrooms and seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, bay leaves, fresh thyme, along with the sliced white and cremini mushrooms. Continue cooking and stirring until the mushrooms are tender and have released their moisture, about another 5 minutes.
- Simmer the soup: Pour the low sodium vegetable broth into the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the rinsed quinoa. Reduce the heat to a simmer and allow the soup to gently cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the quinoa cooks evenly and does not stick to the bottom.
- Season and serve: After the quinoa is tender and cooked through, season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves before ladling the soup into bowls and serving warm.
Notes
- This soup freezes beautifully; after cooling, store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to one month.
- This recipe is vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for those dietary preferences.
- The soup is low in sodium when using low sodium broth and seasoning carefully, perfect for a healthy diet.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg