I find I sorta kinda rotate meals based on what family members like. For example, Luke feels like a king when I make pita pizzas or Doug is happy for days after I make lasagna. We have too many independent minds (and stomachs) for every meal to be a success for every person. But taking turns seems to keep meal time happy and positive. It seems to help the kids enjoy meals that are someone else’s favorite… like mom’s. Lately mom’s choice is soup. I have always had a soft spot it my gut for soup. I just love a warming flavorful bowl of soup (with lots of veggies)- just like this one. This soup is fantastic- no one complained this time it was mom’s choice!
p.s. this is my new favorite way to eat quinoa. The quinoa holds its shape and bite in the soup, unlike noodles that can fall apart over time.
Quinoa Minestrone
Adapted from a recipe sent to me from my fabulous sister, Laura.
- 2 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 carrots, diced
- 4 stalks celery, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, chopped into chunks
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tsp italian seasoning
- 1 cup quinoa, dry
- 6 cups low sodium vegetable broth or organic chicken broth
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained (or 2 cups cooked beans)
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 can (28oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped into thin slices (can substitute swiss chard)
- parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
1. Saute garlic, onion, carrots, and celery in oil until soft, 5-7minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Add red pepper and zucchini, sauté another 3-5 minutes. Add italian seasoning, salt and pepper, and bay leaves.
3. Add broth, tomatoes and liquid, and beans. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add quinoa, cover and simmer 15 minutes, until quinoa is
cooked
6. Stir in spinach
7. Serve with parmesan sprinkled over top if desired.
note: I used homemade organic chicken broth for this soup. I will share my recipe and method in a later post, but I have started to use this homemade broth in place of vegetable broth because a dear friend of mine is convincing me of the health benefits. More on that later…
Pin It
