Quinoa Apple Cheddar Soup

 I got the idea for this from Rachel Ray, though my recipe looks quite a bit different from hers. I love the apple cheddar combo, but I wasn’t sure if the sweetness was going to throw me off. I am happy to say that it didn’t.


Do make sure that you use unsweetened apple juice though, because I am pretty sure that had I used sweetened apple juice it would have been too much. (Bonus points if you juice your own apples.)

Ingredients

• 1 onion, chopped fine
• 1 large apple, peeled and chopped
• 1½ cups cooked quinoa
• 3½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup unsweetened apple juice
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 8 ounces cheddar or Daiya cheese
• 3 slices gluten free bread
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
• Chopped Chives

Instructions

1. Spray a large pot with olive oil and add onion and apple. Cook until the apple is soft, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add quinoa, broth, apple juice, thyme, crushed red pepper, salt and pepper and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes. Add all but ¼ cup of the cheese and cook over low until melted. Allow to cool slightly then working in batches, puree in a blender.
2. Meanwhile, preheat the broiler. Spread mustard on bread and top with remaining cheese. Cook until cheese is melted and then cut into 1” squares.
3. Ladle soup into bowls and then top with croutons and chives.

Notes

Servings 6, Calories 227, Fat 6.2g, Carbohydrates 29.3g, Protein 14.7g, Cholesterol 8mg, Sodium 1095mg, Fiber 3.2g, Sugars 10.5g, WW Pts 6

  Recipe adapted from: wendypolisi