California-Italian Wedding Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4-5 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 cups kale, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in vegetable broth, beans, quinoa, oregano and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in kale and cook for another 5 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese.

Interesting Facts

• Italian wedding soup is traditionally served at Italian weddings.
• This soup is a great way to use up leftover vegetables.
• Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids.
• Kale is a nutritious green vegetable that is high in vitamins A, C and K.