Quinoa Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of quinoa (rinsed well)
• 1/2 teaspoon olive oil (or skip oil if avoiding fats)
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup carrot, diced
• 1/4 cup of beans, chopped
• 1/4 cup capsicum (any color), chopped
• 1 small tomato, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sweet corn or green peas (optional)
• 1.5 cups of water or low-sodium vegetable broth
• Salt to taste (preferably low sodium)
• Black pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (optional)
• Fresh coriander leaves or lemon juice for garnish

Instruction:

1. Rinse quinoa 2–3 times in water to remove bitterness.
2. In a small pan, heat oil (optional) and sauté garlic and onion till soft.
3. Add all chopped vegetables and stir-fry for 1–2 minutes.
4. Add rinsed quinoa and mix well.
5. Pour water or broth, add salt, pepper, and turmeric.
6. Cover and simmer on low flame for 15–20 minutes or until quinoa is cooked and vegetables are tender.
7. Adjust seasoning. If it is too thick, add a little hot water.
8. You can add spinach, zucchini, or broccoli too.