Kale and Quinoa Asian Style Soup

Here's my twist on an Asian style soup I tried yesterday. I loved the use of kale and quinoa, and especially my kid's reactions - they LOVED it (and they don't like kale or quinoa)! Even my pickiest had seconds, and asked that I make it again, and my youngest requested this broth next time she is sick. 

This soup was incredibly filling.  Halfway through the bowl we were all surprisingly full.   

The original recipe called for tofu - yet, no matter how it is served, I just can't love tofu (or eggplant, but that's another story).  As such, I've adapted this recipe to fit my family's tastes - and it definitely isn't vegetarian.  Healthy, filling, simple. Family friendly. Check!

1.5 c. cubed or shredded cooked chicken 

1 T. olive oil

1 large onion - chopped

4 carrots - chopped

4 large garlic cloves - minced

1 T. turmeric (I used fresh, and grated it - careful, it stains)

1/4 c. dried mushrooms, broken into bite size pieces (optional)

1/2 c. dry quinoa

2 c. chicken broth or vegetable broth

4 c. boiling water

(OR 1 quart boiling water, and 3 T. Knorr chicken soup bouillon instead of the broth and water

1 bunch kale, leaves only, chopped)

2.5 T. miso

1 red bell pepper, chopped

3 chopped scallions - green and white

Chopped avocado - optional 

Heat olive oil in heavy bottomed sauce pan.  Add carrots and onion, and saute until tender.  Add garlic and turmeric and stir to combine, then add quinoa and bouillon (if using), and mushrooms, and cook for three minutes, stirring constantly.  Add chicken, and boiling water, and cover with a lid and allow to cook on medium heat for 15 minutes.  Stir occasionally.

Add kale.  Cook until tender - approximately 3 minutes, then remove from heat and mix in miso.  Mix well so that miso disolves properly. 

Garnish with red peppers, avocado, and scallions and serve immediately.    

  

Hot Thai Soup

After serving this for a New Year's Eve party, one of my students shared this recipe with me. I love its simplicity, while my family loves the wonderful flavors.

Made with Chinese noodles, this soup is ready to eat in ten minutes. The noodles are sold in compact cakes that should be broken into smaller pieces before adding them to the pot. Asian flavors are featured in the seasoning mixture that is stirred into the soup just before it is served. This mixture can be changed to accommodate your personal taste preferences. While tomatoes are not common in Chinese cooking, they appear in other Far Eastern cuisines and make a nice addition here.

Thai Seasoning Mixture
1 lime
1 c. loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped (2/3 c.)
3 T. soy sauce
2 T. red wine vinegar
1 T. dark sesame oil
1-2 small serrano peppers (seeded if desired to eliminate some of the hotness,) and finely chopped=1 T.
2 crushed and finely chopped garlic cloves (1 t.)
2 t. shredded fresh ginger (optional)

Cut the lime lengthwise into 1/4" slices: stack the slices and cut into 1/4" dice (approx 1/2 c) Place limes in a small bowl, add the cilantro, soy sauce, vinegar, oil, peppers, ginger, and garlic. Mix well and set aside.

Soup
6 c. chicken broth
3 c. water
4 oz. plain, dry Chinese noodles
1 medium tomato, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/2 dice (1 c.)

Bring the stock or broth and water to boil in a large pot. Add the noodles, breaking them into chunks, and bring the mixture to a full boil. Then reduce the heat to low, cover and boil gently for 4 minutes.

Just before serving add the seasoning mixture and tomatoes.