Hearty Quinoa Stuffed Cabbage Soup

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 50 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Hearty Quinoa Stuffed Cabbage Soup is your answer to a comforting, nutritious meal that's perfect for chilly evenings. This soup combines wholesome ingredients into a single pot, making it a go-to recipe for anyone looking to enjoy a home-cooked meal without the fuss.

Ingredients for Hearty Quinoa Stuffed Cabbage Soup

Cabbage forms the hearty base of the soup, offering a subtle sweetness as it cooks. Quinoa, a protein-rich grain, adds a nutty flavor and satisfying texture. Ground turkey brings lean protein and a savory depth. Onion and garlic are the aromatics that kickstart the flavor, while chicken broth serves as the soothing liquid base. Tomato sauce and diced tomatoes give a rich, tangy component. Carrots and celery add a traditional soup flavor and texture profile. Olive oil helps sauté and deepen flavors. Thyme and paprika provide warmth and mild spice, with salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh parsley brings a fresh, herbal finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Rinse your quinoa well to remove any natural saponin coating, which can taste bitter.
  • For a richer flavor, consider browning the turkey in small batches.
  • Adjust the seasoning at the end, as the flavors develop during cooking.
  • If the soup is too thick, add a bit more broth to reach your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread or a side of whole grain crackers. For a touch of creaminess, you might top it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. A simple green salad on the side would round out the meal nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different meat?
Absolutely! Ground beef or chicken would work well as substitutes.
Can this soup be frozen?
Yes, it's freezer-friendly. Just let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
You can use dried parsley, but use about half the amount.

Hearty Quinoa Stuffed Cabbage Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your diced onion and minced garlic, and let them sauté until they're translucent and fragrant. This should take about 5 minutes. Next, toss in the ground turkey. Use a spatula to break it up into small pieces, cooking until it's nicely browned and cooked through.

With the turkey browned, it's time to stir in the quinoa. Make sure to rinse it beforehand to remove any bitterness. Pour in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Add the sliced carrots and celery, then season with thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the quinoa to start cooking. After that, add the chopped cabbage. Cover the pot and let it simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the cabbage and quinoa are tender.

Before serving, stir in the fresh parsley. This step adds a burst of color and freshness that complements the hearty flavors of the soup. Ladle it into bowls and enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Packed with protein and nutrients from quinoa and turkey.
  • One-pot meal means easy cleanup.
  • Perfect for meal prep and leftovers get even better.
  • Warm, comforting flavors for a cozy night in.

Ingredients

1 medium green cabbage, cored and chopped
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
1 lb ground turkey
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups tomato sauce
1 cup diced tomatoes
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
2. Add ground turkey, cooking until browned.
3. Stir in quinoa, chicken broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, carrots, celery, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Add chopped cabbage, cover, and simmer for another 30 minutes or until cabbage and quinoa are tender.
6. Stir in fresh parsley before serving.

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