Chicken soup is a tried-and-true classic when you’re looking for a healthy and low-calorie meal, but we’ve taken the healthy chicken soup game to a whole new level with this Peruvian twist on the recipe.
This chicken and quinoa soup is the perfect light meal when you’re looking for something healthy and delicious. Packed with protein and full of flavor, this soup will leave you feeling satisfied and satiated.
This time, we’re bringing you a trendy soup from Peru that mixes our traditional Peruvian chicken soup with the superfood called quinoa.
Quinoa is a staple in the Andes and is highly valued for its high protein content, fiber, minerals, and vitamins. Native to the region, it has been used in Peru since ancient times.
It’s a breeze to cook quinoa – simply give it a good rinse under cold running water before preparing. Quinoa is best used as part of a nutrient-rich dish with other ingredients such as veggies, beans or fruit. Add a bit of flavor with spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, or turmeric.
Quinoa is an amazing vegetable with unique properties that make it a perfect choice for vegan diets. It’s what’s called a pseudocereal that can be classified as a whole grain, and is one of the few non-meat foods that can be considered a complete protein. Quinoa is native to Latin America, and its consumption is pre-Columbian.
Cubed chicken breast is used in this recipe, similar to the famous “Chupe de Pollo Peruano” recipe. Bone-in pieces—such as thighs or wings—are used to make broth or are shredded into the soup. However, it is recommended to use only chicken breast and a strong chicken broth or chicken stock mix.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does quinoa get soggy in soup?
Cooked quinoa adds a lovely texture and flavor to soups and does not get soggy or break down.
What sides go well with quinoa chicken soup?
Serve this dish with toasted whole wheat bread, plantain chips, avocado slices, or a small cup of cooked corn.
Is it possible to freeze leftovers?
Yes, it is possible to freeze chicken quinoa soup. The soup is best frozen the same day that it is made. It can then be stored for two or three months. Then, it should be thawed in a water bath.
What other vegetables can you put in chicken quinoa soup?
Potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, mushrooms, or beans are common vegetables that work well with this dish.
How to make the soup thicker?
To make the soup thicker, add potatoes. It is a good idea to cut the potato into very small pieces, as this will release the starch more easily and help the potato break apart while boiling.
Alternatives & Substitutions
Cream and cheese can be substituted for the chicken. It is a delicious and ideal option for colder climates.
You can also prepare it with only vegetables and omit animal products. This version is much closer to the quinoa soup originally consumed in the Andes.
Chicken Quinoa Soup
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa 160 g.
- 1 white onion 120 g.
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 large carrot 120 g.
- 2 stalks celery 60 g.
- 1 sweet potato 500 g.
- 1 chicken breast without skin and without bone, 650 g.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons soybean oil you can also use sunflower, canola, or corn oil
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 cups chicken broth 1.5 liters
- 10 sprigs coriander
Instructions
- Put the quinoa in a strainer, and rinse under running water until the water runs clear. Next, pour two cups of water into a bowl, and add the quinoa. Let it soak for a couple of hours before beginning the rest of the recipe preparation.
- Peel the yellow onion and finely chop. Peel the garlic and crush with a mortar.
- Next, peel the carrot and cut it in two, lengthwise. Then slice the carrot. Wash the celery well, and slice it too. Finally, peel the sweet potato, and cut it into cubes. To prevent the sweet potato from turning black, soak it in water until ready to cook.
- Wash the chicken breast, and dry it with a kitchen towel. Place it on a cutting board, and with a very sharp knife, cut it into cubes of approximately two centimeters. Then season with salt and oregano. Let it marinate for a few minutes while you fry the vegetables.
- Pour the oil into a medium pot where you will make the soup. Turn on the stove over medium-high heat. Wait for the oil to bubble, then immediately add the onion and crushed garlic cloves. Sauté the vegetables for about five minutes until the onion turns transparent.
- Next, add the cubed chicken. Sauté for another six minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in carrots, celery, and sweet potatoes. Stir very well.
- Drain excess water from quinoa, and add to pot. Immediately add the broth and bay leaf. Cook over high heat for about ten to fifteen minutes until carrots are tender.
- Lastly, add the chopped coriander and turn it off. Taste and adjust for salt. Extract the bay leaf and discard it. Serve hot with bread or corn chunks.
Nutrition
Peruvian foodie. I’ve been writing about the food of Peru for over 10 years. Read more about the Eat Peru team here
Deysi
I think I’m fighting a cold . And after getting up from a power nap I decided to make chicken soup. Luckly I had all the main ingredients at home. I used a whole chicken with all the bones and gibblets and so my broth was pretty rich that I didn’t need to add any other extra broth. I love this recipe and will make this again next time I have guests. It would make a nice entree.
Eat Peru
Thanks Deisy. Glad you liked the recipe and it helped your cold.