Kitchen Delights: Quinoa & Chickpea Soup {Recipe}

 I love simple food that tastes great. So when I see a recipe that fits the bill, I have to try it. January issue of Real Simple magazine has some yummy soup recipes, perfect for winter weather. The quinoa and chickpea soup recipe caught my fancy and I decided to try it. I changed it a little bit  -I didn't use cheddar cheese, frozen corn and added some crushed chili flakes for some spice! I also altered quantity of ingredients so it is enough for 2-3 people, instead of 6 people as the magazine suggested) It came out really good. It is a hearty, healthy soup and so very simple to make. All the ingredients I could find in my local Walmart (BTW, you can now find a lot of organic ingredients and produce in Walmart!)

What you will need:

1/2 cup red quinoa (I used Wild Oats organic quinoa)

1 can of chickpeas/garbanzo beans

4 cups vegetable broth (I used Pacific organic)

2-3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 medium onion

3 cloves garlic

2 small tomatoes

Salt and crushed red chili flakes

Lime and cilantro for garnish

To make this soup, wash and rinse quiona and rinse the canned chickpeas. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and garlic. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook until onion is translucent. Add vegetable broth, quinoa and crush red chili flakes. Bring it to boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until quinoa is tender (10-12 minutes) Add the chickpeas and tomatoes, cook for another 4-5 minutes.

Serve with lemon wedges and fresh cilantro. 

Optional : Add some tortilla chips and cheddar cheese on top if you want.

You are very welcome!

What is your favorite winter soup? I'd love to know the tried and tested recipes:-)

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