A warming blend of African Heritage spices with quinoa and vegetables makes this chicken soup comforting and full of nutrients.
Chicken and Greens Soup
Ingredients
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 boneless uncooked chicken thigh, cut to bite-sized pieces (about 4 ounces or ½ cup)
1 cup chopped onion
½ cup chopped carrot
3 cloves garlic, minced or ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
5 cups low-sodium broth (any type)
3 Tablespoons quinoa (rinse if not pre-rinsed)
¾ teaspoon turmeric
¾ to 1½ teaspoons cayenne pepper (see Notes)
2 cups chopped leafy greens (try kale, spinach or cabbage, or a mix of any)
2 teaspoons curry powder
¼ teaspoon allspice
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon salt or 2 pieces cooked and chopped turkey bacon
Directions
- Wash hands with soap and water. Wash hands, knife and cutting board after touching raw chicken.
- In a large saucepan or soup pot, heat oil on medium.
- Add chicken and stir to brown, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in onion, carrot and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring as needed to keep chicken and vegetables from sticking. Add a few tablespoons water, if needed.
- Add broth, quinoa, turmeric and cayenne pepper. Bring mixture to a bowl, turn heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add greens, curry powder, ginger and paprika. Cook for 15 minutes. Add salt or bacon after 10 minutes, if desired.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Notes
- No chicken thigh? Use about 4 ounces (½ cup) of any type of uncooked chicken or other protein.
- Use the amount of cayenne pepper that matches your taste for a mild or a spicy soup.
- Try frozen chopped greens instead of fresh. Add about ½ cup in step 5.
- No quinoa? Try a different quick-cooking whole grain such as bulgur or instant brown rice or about ¾ cup of any cooked whole grain.
Thanks to the African Heritage Work Group for this recipe.
You might also like...
Carrot Ginger Salad
Carrot Ginger Salad
This flavorful, sweet and savory side dish is great for make-ahead meals!
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Apple Cinnamon Flavored Water
Apple Cinnamon Flavored Water
A unique and flavorful spin on flavored water!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
No-Yeast Pizza Crust
No-Yeast Pizza Crust
A quick and easy way to make homemade pizza without yeast. Great idea for your next family dinner!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
1 12-inch crust
Fruit Smoothie 2 (with milk)
Fruit Smoothie 2 (with milk)
A delicious homemade fruit-flavored shake for breakfast, snack, or on the go!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Microwave Fresh Vegetables
Microwave Fresh Vegetables
Steam-cooking fresh vegetables in the microwave is an easy way to make a healthy side dish for lunch or dinner in just minutes. The short cooking time preserves nutrients, color and flavor.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Cilantro Lime Tuna Wrap
Cilantro Lime Tuna Wrap
A light and flavorful meal using canned tuna, fresh veggies and a tangy mayo dressing.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
5 Wraps
Comments
Chicken and Greens Soup is satisfying and delicious, especially when made during a winter storm. We thought the spices were right on as written; I picked an amount of cayenne in the middle of the suggested range. I did use frozen greens. We enjoyed it with master mix biscuits for a comforting and healthy meal. Leftovers were excellent for lunch the next day.