Mexican Quinoa Soup

I loved this soup! It wasn't the fastest to make, but it's perfect for a weekend meal. I thought the leftovers tasted just as great, but a friend didn't like the green-pepper flavor in the leftovers. Just keep that in mind, and consider substituting another red pepper in for the poblano one. This recipe is so tasty you won't even realize it's vegan! :)

Mexican Quinoa Soup
from PreventionRD

Ingredients:
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
2 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium fire roasted diced tomatoes
2 tsp olive oil
1 medium red onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 poblano pepper
1 red bell pepper
1 jalapeno, seeds and ribs removed for less spice
1 cup dry quinoa
1 Tbsp paprika
1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp ground cumin
2 bay leaves
pinch ground cinnamon
1 avocado, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 lime, cut into wedges

Directions:

Set your oven to broil at 550 F.

Cut the poblano, red bell pepper, and jalapeno in half, removing the stem and seeds. Place peppers on a baking sheet cut side down and roast 2-3 minutes or until charred and black. Check frequently to avoid over-burning. Once charred, place peppers in plastic baggie, close, and allow to steam. **I skipped this, and just peeled without steaming.** Peel the charred skin by hand and dice the peppers.

Heat a dutch oven over medium heat and add olive oil. Add diced onions and stir. Keep stirring until the onions start to stick and add 1 tablespoon of the vegetable stock. Repeat this step, stirring often for 30 minutes, deglazing pan every so often with a small amount of vegetable stock. Cook onions for 30 minutes or until onions are dark in color with the desired caramelized flavor.

While onions are caramelizing, combine the quinoa and 2 cups of water in a sauce pan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for ~30 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed.

To the dutch oven, add remaining vegetable stock, fire roasted tomatoes, garlic, jalapeno, poblano, red bell pepper, paprika, coriander, cumin, bay leaves, cinnamon, and chipotle chili powder. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove bay leaves. Add cooked quinoa and stir to combine.

Ladle soup into bowls and top with diced avocado. Serve with lime wedges.