Peruvian Quinoa Chicken Soup

Peruvian Quinoa Chicken Soup

Peruvian Quinoa Chicken Soup is a delicious and hearty dish that blends traditional Peruvian flavors with the nutritious superfood, quinoa. This soup is a perfect combination of tender chicken, protein-packed quinoa, and a medley of vegetables, making it both satisfying and healthy.

Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
– 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
– 6 cups chicken broth
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1/2 cup frozen peas
– 1 large potato, peeled and diced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
– 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
– Lime wedges for serving

Instructions:

Step 1: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, approximately 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 3: Stir in the diced carrots, celery, and red bell pepper, and cook for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.

Step 4: Add the diced potato, quinoa, and chicken breasts to the pot.

Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the chicken is tender.

Step 6: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.

Step 7: Season the soup with ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt to taste. Stir well to combine all the flavors.

Step 8: Add the frozen peas to the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 9: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.

Step 10: Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Enjoy your flavorful and nutritious Peruvian Quinoa Chicken Soup!