Lime Quinoa and Chicken Soup
Try this Lime Quinoa and Chicken Soup recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Lime Quinoa and Chicken Soup recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 3/4 cup quinoa uncooked
- 1/2 lime, juice of
- 1 medium whole chicken (4 - 5 lbs) skin and fat removed
- 1 small onion peeled
- 3 - 4 bay leaves
- 5 - 7 peppercorns
- cold water enough to cover the chicken
- 1/2 cup tomatillo salsa
- 2 cups corn frozen (unthawed)
- 1 jalapeã±o, seeded & minced
- 1 + 1/2 tsp salt
- cilantro & extra lime for serving
- Carbohydrate 17.3743600028273 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 1.50010500142324 g
- Fiber 3.5427500386988 g
- Protein 2.49701500113821 g
- Saturated Fat 0.1880525000981 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (201g)
- Sodium 10.7920000107366 mg
- Sugar 13.8316099641285 g
- Trans Fat 0.349164000218312 g
- Calories 82 calories
Step-by-step
- To make chicken stock (optional): Add chicken, onion, bay leaves and peppercorns to a large pot and add cold water enough to cover the chicken. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium and cook for 1 hour, skimming the foam occasionally. Transfer chicken stock to plastic containers, let them cool and freeze.
- To make the soup: Fill the pot (with cooked chicken in it) with cold water again, bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium and cook for 30 minutes. Discard onion, bay leaves and peppercorns. Transfer chicken to a large plate, remove the bones, shred and return to the pot.
- Add salsa, quinoa, corn, cumin, jalapeño and salt. Cook for 20 minutes or until quinoa is cooked.
- Add lime juice and adjust any spices if desired.
- Serve hot with extra cilantro, lime and tortilla chips.
Lime Quinoa and Chicken Soup: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. My days are a whirlwind of meetings, school pick-ups, and the never-ending cycle of laundry. But even amidst the chaos, I refuse to compromise on nourishing my family with wholesome food. That's why I've developed a love for quick, easy, and flavorful recipes that don't sacrifice taste or nutrition. This Lime Quinoa and Chicken Soup is one such recipe – a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. It requires minimal chopping and uses readily available ingredients. I often make a large batch on the weekend and store it in individual containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. The vibrant lime juice brightens up the flavors, while the quinoa adds a hearty texture. It’s a perfect balance of comfort and freshness, and my family absolutely devours it!
The best part? It's incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to your preferences. Don’t have tomatillo salsa? Use your favorite salsa instead. Not a fan of jalapeño? Leave it out. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own signature version. I sometimes add a squeeze of orange juice for an extra layer of citrusy goodness, or a sprinkle of chili powder for a little kick. The possibilities are endless!
Beyond its convenience, this soup also boasts a surprising nutritional profile. Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a fantastic source of protein for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Chicken provides lean protein, while the vegetables offer a range of vitamins and minerals. It's a satisfying and healthy meal that leaves you feeling energized and ready to tackle whatever the day throws your way. This is my go-to comfort food when I need a quick and easy meal that's also packed with flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients you'll need:
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 3/4 cup quinoa, uncooked
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- 1 medium whole chicken (4-5 lbs), skin and fat removed
- 1 small onion, peeled
- 3-4 bay leaves
- 5-7 peppercorns
- Cold water, enough to cover the chicken
- 1/2 cup tomatillo salsa
- 2 cups corn, frozen (unthawed)
- 1 jalapeño, seeded & minced
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- Cilantro and extra lime, for serving
This recipe is a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It’s a perfect example of how a simple, yet flavorful meal can be prepared even amidst the hustle and bustle of a busy life. So, the next time you find yourself pressed for time, reach for this recipe. I promise you, your taste buds (and your family) will thank you for it.
Making this soup is a little act of self-care in my busy life. It's a way to nourish myself and my family with good food, even when time is short. And that, my friends, is priceless.
