Continuing our body preparation for upcoming Diwali… Getting ourselves in the Best of our shape for Diwali dazzle… Rejoice wellness brings you another soup recipe that’s a vegan, gluten free balanced meal and serve great as your pre Diwali dinner.

Quinoa Vegetable Soup

INGREDIENTS

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 to 2 cups chopped seasonal vegetables, like peas, beans, bell pepper, sweet potatoes or pumpkin
• 6 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 large bowl diced tomatoes
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed well in a fine mesh colander
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt, as to taste
• 2 bay leaves
• Pinch red chili flakes, as to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, as to taste
• Chickpeas 1 cup, rinsed and mildly cooked
• Chopped fresh kale or spinach 1 cup or more
• Lemon juice, 1 to 2 teaspoons, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Warm the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, seasonal vegetables and a pinch of salt.
2. Cook, stirring often, until the onion has softened and is turning translucent, about 6 to 8 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and thyme. Cook until fragrant while stirring frequently, about 1 minute.
4. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and cook for a few more minutes, stirring often.
5. Pour in the quinoa, broth and the water.
6. Add 1 teaspoon salt, 2 bay leaves and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
7. Season generously with freshly ground black pepper.
8. Raise heat and bring the mixture to a boil, then partially cover the pot and reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
9. Cook for 25 minutes, then remove the lid and add the chickpeas and the chopped kale or spinach.
10. Continue simmering for 5 minutes or more, until the greens have softened to your liking.
11. Remove the pot from heat, then remove the bay leaves.
12. Stir in 1 teaspoon lemon juice.
13. Taste and season with more salt, pepper and/or lemon juice until the flavors really come alive.