Are you craving a hearty, nutritious, and incredibly easy meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further than this mouthwatering Slow Cooker Tomato Kale and Quinoa Soup! Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with rich, aromatic flavors, a warm and comforting dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction. This recipe is a game-changer for busy home cooks who want a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping the kale, peeling and dicing the onion, and measuring out the quinoa and vegetable broth.
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitter saponins and drain well.
- Add the diced tomatoes, rinsed quinoa, chopped kale, and chopped onion to the slow cooker.
- Pour the vegetable broth over the ingredients, ensuring all components are mostly covered by the liquid.
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the mixture, and add salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir all ingredients gently to combine and distribute seasonings evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat setting for 6 hours.
- After cooking time is complete, stir the soup and check seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper if needed.
- Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and quinoa to fully absorb liquid.
- Ladle into bowls and optionally garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Tips
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural bitter coating and ensure a clean, nutty flavor.
- For extra depth, consider sautéing the onions briefly before adding them to the slow cooker to enhance their sweetness.
- Use fresh kale if possible, as it holds up better during the long cooking process and retains more nutrients.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a small amount of tomato paste or reduce the vegetable broth slightly.
- For added protein, consider stirring in some white beans or diced chicken before cooking.
- Don't skip the resting time after cooking – it allows the flavors to meld and the quinoa to fully absorb the liquid.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
