Kale and Quinoa Minestrone

I was given this recipe by a close friend when a third party was asking me what kind of kale recipes I have.  Other than using kale in smoothies and kale chips I don't have any recipes that I love with kale.  So I chimed into my friend and she sent this amazing soup recipe.  I may have a new favorite soup to make on a cold day like today.  So many yummy fresh ingredients and the ingredients can be switched out for what you have on hand.

Kale and Quinoa Minestrone:

1 medium yellow onion chopped

2 stalks celery diced

3 medium carrots diced

2 tbsp olive oil

2 small zucchini diced

2 cups fresh green beans cut into 1 inch segments

1 red bell pepper diced

1 (32 oz) carton unsalted or low-sodium vegetable broth

1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

3 cups water

3 1/2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

1 tsp dried rosemary crushed

3/4 tsp dried thyme

1 1/2 tsp granulated sugar

salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

3/4 cup dry quinoa

2 chicken breast cooked and chopped (omit for vegetarian)

1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

1 (15 oz)  can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed

2 (heaping) cups chopped fresh kale, thick ribs removed

1 tbsp lemon juice

 

Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat.  Add diced onion, carrots and celery and saute about 5 minutes, until softened.

 

Add in zucchini, green beans , red bell pepper and saute 3 minutes.

 

Add in vegetable broth, crushed tomatoes, water, parsley, rosemary, thyme, granulated sugar, season with salt and pepper to taste and bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and allow soup to gently boil, uncovered for about 20 minutes.

 

Add in dry quinoa then cover and cook 15-20 minutes longer.  This is where I also added in two chicken breasts that are already cooked and cut into chunks.

 

Then add cannellini beans, garbanzo beans, kale and lemon juice and cook, uncovered, until kale has wilted, about 5 minutes.

 

Such a great way to eat lots of vegetables and include kale into your diet.  This was the first time I have made it and the whole family liked it.  The vegetables can also be substituted for other ones or add other one's of your choice.  Leave the chicken out to make it vegetarian but if you don't mind the chicken I suggest adding it.  It was a great addition to the soup.  Simply Delicious.