# Quinoa and Kale Soup
Indulge in a hearty and warming bowl of Quinoa and Kale Soup – a nutritional powerhouse packed with flavors. It’s quick, easy and perfect for any day of the week!
## Introduction
Searching for a delicious and wholesome way to stay warm this season? Look no further. This Quinoa and Kale Soup is not just comforting, but also loaded with a wealth of health benefits. With its impressive protein content from the quinoa and rich vitamins from the kale, this soup is truly a superfood delight. Whether served for lunch or dinner, it’s a fantastic meal that’s easy to prepare and loved by all.
## Why Make This Recipe
Do you want to integrate more healthy meals into your diet without sacrificing on taste? This Quinoa and Kale soup is the solution. High in protein, fiber and vitamins, this soup is not only beneficial for health, but also satisfying and comforting. It’s a versatile option that can be adjusted to suit various dietary preferences.
## How to Make Quinoa and Kale Soup
### Ingredients
To make this delicious soup, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
– 6 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 cups kale, chopped
– Juice of 1 lemon
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
### Directions
To prepare this healthy and delicious soup, follow these steps:
1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
2. Stir in carrots and celery, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
3. Add quinoa, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes with their juices. Season with thyme, oregano, salt and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes until quinoa is tender.
5. Stir in kale and cook for 5 more minutes, or until kale is wilted.
6. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
## How to Serve Quinoa and Kale Soup
Serve this wholesome soup in a big bowl and pair it with a slice of fresh crusty bread or a side salad. The fresh parsley garnish adds a burst of freshness and color that makes the dish even more appetizing. Enjoy for lunch or dinner, or make it in advance for meal-prep throughout the week.
## How to Store Quinoa and Kale Soup
The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. It also freezes well, making it great for meal prep. Just be sure to allow it to cool completely before freezing.
## Tips to Make Quinoa and Kale Soup
✔ Rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove its natural coating, which can make it taste bitter.
✔ Add the kale toward the end of cook time to ensure it retains its vibrant color and does not become overly wilted.
✔ You can also add proteins like chickpeas or tofu for extra protein.
## Variations
For added creaminess, stir in some coconut milk toward the end of cooking. To increase the protein content, add shredded chicken or canned beans. You can also substitute quinoa with brown rice or couscous.
## FAQs
**Q1: Can I substitute spinach for kale in this soup?**
A: Yes, spinach is a great alternative if you don’t have kale. Just add it towards the end of cooking, as it wilts faster than kale.
**Q2: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?**
A: Absolutely! You just need to add the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it do its work for about 4-6 hours on low.
**Q3: How do I make this soup vegan?**
A: This soup is naturally vegan as long as you use a vegetable broth. Be sure to check the labels of any store-bought broths you use.