Minestrone with Quinoa & Greens (Printable version)

Vibrant soup blending quinoa, winter greens, and rich vegetables in an Italian style.

# What you need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
04 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 small fennel bulb, chopped (optional)
07 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
08 - 1 cup chopped winter greens (kale, Swiss chard, or spinach)

→ Grains & Legumes

09 - ½ cup quinoa, rinsed
10 - 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

→ Liquids

11 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
12 - 5 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

→ Seasonings

13 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - ½ teaspoon dried thyme
15 - 1 bay leaf
16 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ To Serve

17 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
18 - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional; omit for vegan/dairy-free)

# Steps to follow:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and fennel if using. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add diced zucchini, rinsed quinoa, cannellini beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, vegetable broth, oregano, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
04 - Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - Stir in chopped winter greens and continue simmering for 7 to 10 minutes until quinoa is tender and greens are wilted.
06 - Remove bay leaf. Season soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • Packed with nourishing winter greens and vegetables
  • High protein and naturally gluten-free
02 -
  • Use any sturdy leafy greens such as kale, chard, or spinach for best results
  • If you want it vegan, omit Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based substitute
03 -
  • Make extra and freeze leftovers for busy weeknights
  • Use a large soup pot for easy stirring and even cooking
Return