This is an amazing soup, packed with tons of nutrition for you! All of the ingredients really come with a huge nutritional benefit. Normally this soup is made with a small pasta like Ancini Pepe, but I thought replacing that with the Quinoa would add so much!! The Quinoa and the Lentils are full of protein and potassium. Tons of vitamins!! It is tremendously filling, such a hearty soup. You can't go wrong with a bowl of this soup for lunch or dinner. And with the zucchini, tomatoes, celery and carrots, it's basically a hearty vegetable soup.
LENTIL & QUINOA SOUP
1 PACKAGE OF LENTILS, RINSED 1 MEDIUM ONION CHOPPED 1/2 CUP DICED CARROTS 1/2 CUP DICED CELERY 4 CLOVES OF GARLIC CHOPPED 1 LARGE CAN OF DICED TOMATOES 1 LARGE OR 2 MEDIUM ZUCCHINI DICED 8 CUPS LOW SODIUM CHICKEN BROTH 1/2 TSP CORRIANDER 1/2 TSP CUMIN 1/2 TSP SMOKED PAPRIKA SALT & PEPPER OLIVE OIL 3/4 CUP QUINOA
This is a very easy soup to make. It just takes a bit of chopping, but once its all in the pot, you are worry free!!! I like to make mine in my Dutch Oven. So go ahead and get the oil heating. Add the chopped onion, carrot and celery and saute about 15 minutes until they begin to get tender.
Season well with salt & pepper. then add in the corriander, cumin and smoked paprika. Then add the chopped garlic and diced zucchini.
Let it cook down all together about another 10 minutes and add in the diced tomaotes and chicken broth and lentils. Bring to a slow simmer and let it all cook until the lentils are tender and soft about 40 minutes.
When the lentils are just about tender go ahead and add in the quinoa. This will need to cook about 20 more minutes. If this soaks up too much liquid as it cooks, you can add some more chicken broth or a bit of tomato sauce for extra flavor.
That's it!!!! Once it is all cooked you can plate and serve. If you like you can add a bit of grated cheese on top. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!!!!