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Chicken and Greens Soup

A warming blend of African Heritage spices with quinoa and vegetables makes this chicken soup comforting and full of nutrients.
Image of Chicken and Greens Soup
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon vegetable oil 
1 boneless uncooked chicken thigh, cut to bite-sized pieces (about 4 ounces or 1/2 cup) 
1 cup chopped onion 
1/2 cup chopped carrot 
3 cloves garlic, minced or 3/4 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

  1. Wash hands with soap and water. Wash hands, knife and cutting board after touching raw chicken.
  2. In a large saucepan or soup pot, heat oil on medium.
  3. Add chicken and stir to brown, about 3 minutes.
  4. 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.
  5. Add broth, quinoa, turmeric and cayenne pepper. Bring mixture to a bowl, turn heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes.
  6. Add greens, curry powder, ginger and paprika. Cook for 15 minutes. Add salt or bacon after 10 minutes, if desired.
  7. 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.

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