Creamy Italian Quinoa Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ medium onion (diced)
• 3 carrots (peeled and diced)
• 2 stalk celery (diced)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 1 can chickpeas (drained & rinsed)
• 1 1/4 cup quinoa (uncooked, rinsed well in a fine mesh colander)
• 1 can tomatoes (undrained)
• 200ml tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon dried italian herbs
• pinch of red pepper flakes
• 2 cups spinach (coarsely chopped)
• 1 ½ cups yoghurt
• salt and pepper (to taste)
• parmesan cheese (for topping)

Preparation

1. heat oil in a large saucepan or dutch oven over medium-high heat. add onion, carrots, celery and garlic and season with salt and pepper. sauté, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are soft.
2. add stock, chickpeas, quinoa, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and italian seasoning to the pot and stir to combine. season with salt and pepper. bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, for 20-25 minutes.
3. when ready to serve, stir in spinach and cream. taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.
4. divide into bowls and top with grated parmesan.