{Leek, Cabbage + Quinoa Soup}

Well, it’s that time of year now where the air has a crispness, leaves have begun to turn, and mornings are ripe with icy dew. Also, here on the farm the kids are back at school which puts me into soup mode. There is nothing like the smell of a comforting pot of supper already simmering on the stove, giving off pleasing aromas to welcome the family in as they walk back through the door after a long day away.

I know I sure loved that experience entering my childhood home to cozy cooking smells.

This soup is an easy favourite over here in our family, using four of our fall garden vegetables– leek, cabbage, garlic and carrots. The kids all love it (which is a feat in itself!) and we make it with our homemade veggie broth, but you could certainly substitute chicken stock, or even water– it’s delicious all three ways. Serve with a slice of warm crusty bread smeared with butter, or some homemade sourdough… mmm, September heaven.

Print Recipe

Leek, Cabbage + Quinoa Soup

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lg leek, thinly sliced (white and light green parts), pieces rinsed well
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2-3 cups shredded/chopped green cabbage
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme (or a few whole sprigs fresh thyme)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • Fresh ground pepper
  • 5 cups vegetable or chicken broth (or water)
  • 1/2 cup dry quinoa

Instructions

  • In large saucepan, heat oil and butter together. Add sliced leek, cook and stir occasionally until softened.
  • Add garlic, carrots, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for a couple minutes before adding in cabbage. Cook and stir 2 more minutes.
  • Add in spices. Cook and stir together until vegetables are tender and aromatic.
  • Pour in broth (water). Bring to boil. Add more salt as desired for taste.
  • Add quinoa, bring to boil again. Turn down, cover and allow to simmer, stirring occasionally, for 45 minutes to an hour (the longer the better) until quinoa is cooked and flavours have mellowed nicely together. Season to taste.