Sopa de Quinua
A hearty and nutritious soup made with quinoa, a staple Andean grain, often combined with meat (beef or lamb), vegetables, and flavorful spices. It's a comforting and filling dish, perfect for colder days.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 cup Quinoa
- 500 g Beef or lamb (cubed)
- 2.5 liters Water or broth
- 1 medium Onion (chopped)
- 2 medium Carrots (diced)
- 3 medium Potatoes (diced)
- 0.5 cup Green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 0.5 cup Fava beans (fresh or frozen)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Oregano
- 0.5 tsp Cumin
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- for garnish Fresh parsley (chopped)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
💡 Tip: Rinsing removes saponin, which can give quinoa a bitter taste. - 2
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Add the cubed beef or lamb to the pot and brown it on all sides. Season with salt and pepper.
- 4
Add the water or broth, rinsed quinoa, diced carrots, oregano, and cumin to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is tender and the quinoa is cooked.
- 5
Add the diced potatoes, green peas, and fava beans to the pot. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- 6
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth or water.
💡 Tip: The consistency should be hearty but not overly thick. - 7
Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure quinoa is well-rinsed to avoid bitterness.
- ✓Adjust the amount of vegetables based on preference.
- ✓This soup can be made vegetarian by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like celery, corn, or spinach.
- Use chicken broth instead of beef or lamb broth.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of ají amarillo powder or paste.