If you’re in the mood for a cozy, hearty dish that warms your soul, this Curry Chicken and Quinoa Soup is your answer. Packed with vibrant spices and wholesome ingredients, it’s a nourishing meal perfect for any day of the week. Whether you’re a seasoned curry lover or just looking to try something new, this recipe brings comfort and flavor in every spoonful.
Steps
- Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add carrots, onion, bell pepper, and ginger, then sauté for about 5 minutes.
- Incorporate garlic into the pot and sauté for an additional minute. Mix in the spices—coriander, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper—and continue cooking for another minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth, fire-roasted tomatoes, and quinoa. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for around 15 minutes or until the quinoa is tender.
- Stir in the cooked chicken, canned chickpeas, and cream or coconut milk, and heat everything through for about a minute.
- Finally, add chopped cilantro, stir well, and serve the soup warm.
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Carrots
- Yellow onion
- Red or yellow bell pepper
- Fresh ginger
- Garlic cloves
- Fresh cilantro
- Ground coriander
- Ground cumin
- Paprika
- Ground turmeric
- Ground cinnamon
- Cayenne pepper
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Low sodium chicken broth
- Canned fire roasted tomatoes
- Quinoa
- Shredded cooked chicken
- Canned chickpeas
- Heavy cream or coconut milk
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2520 | Calories from Fat: 1026 | Fat: 114g | Saturated Fat: 36g | Cholesterol: 396mg | Sodium: 2136mg | Potassium: 4566mg | Carbohydrates: 222g | Fiber: 42g | Sugar: 30g | Protein: 156g | Vitamin A: 40650IU | Vitamin C: 256.2mg | Calcium: 708mg | Iron: 24.6mg
FAQ
- Can I make this soup vegetarian?
- Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by leaving out the chicken. Despite this omission, the soup will still be very filling and flavorful.
- Can I substitute the spices with curry powder?
- It is not recommended to use curry powder as a substitute for the individual spices. Curry powder blends can vary widely and may not provide the same balanced flavor as the specific spices listed in the recipe.
- Why should I rinse quinoa before cooking?
- Rinsing quinoa is essential because it removes the bitter outer coating known as saponin. Even if the packaging indicates that the quinoa is pre-rinsed, it’s a good idea to rinse it again to ensure there’s no residual bitterness.
- Is it possible to freeze this soup?
- You can freeze the soup, but it’s best done without the addition of cream, as dairy can sometimes react poorly to freezing and thawing. Add the cream after reheating.
- What can I use instead of heavy cream for a healthier option?
- If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to heavy cream, consider using coconut milk or half-and-half to maintain the soup’s richness while reducing calories.
Tips
- To make a vegetarian version of this soup, skip the chicken while still enjoying a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Instead of using curry powder blends, stick with individual spices for better control over flavor, as curry powders can vary greatly.
- Rinse the quinoa before cooking to remove its natural bitter coating, known as saponin, even if the package states it’s pre-rinsed.
- If you plan to freeze the soup, do so without adding the cream, as dairy doesn’t freeze well.
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Chef’s knife (for chopping vegetables)
- Cutting board
- Ladle (for serving soup)
