chicken and noodle soup with vegetables beans and grains
Tanika Chudzik
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts (main ingredient)
- Onion (for flavor enhancement)
- Celery (adds nutritional value)
- Carrots (rich in vitamins, improves color)
- Garlic cloves (picks up flavors, antimicrobial benefits)
- Zucchini (freshness, adds crunch)
- Spinach leaves (packed with nutrients, enhances taste)
- Tomatoes (juicy, flavorful, rich in lycopene)
- Green beans (provides fiber, supports digestive health)
- Quinoa (high-protein grain, gluten-free option)
- Brown rice (whole grain for added texture and nutrition)
- Kidney beans (protein source, canned or dried)
- Vegetable broth (base ingredient, low sodium)
- Salt (for seasoning, adjust to taste)
- Black pepper (to enhance flavor)
- Bay leaves (adds depth of flavor)
Incorporating these ingredients in your chicken and noodle soup with vegetables, beans, and grains will not only make the dish delicious but also ensure it is nutritionally balanced. Use SEO-friendly keywords like "chicken," "vegetables," "quinoa," and "brown rice" to optimize content for search engines while making it easy for readers to understand and implement your recipe suggestions.
Steps
### Chicken and Noodle Soup with Vegetables, Beans, and Grains: A Nutritious Comfort Food
Chicken and noodle soup is a classic comfort food that can be made even more nutritious by adding vegetables, beans, and grains. This recipe combines the flavors of chicken broth, tender chunks of chicken, fresh veggies, and hearty noodles to create a wholesome meal perfect for any time of year.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 large celery stalk, chopped
- 1/2 onion, finely sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup small pasta (such as elbow macaroni)
- 1 cup mixed beans (like kidney or navy beans), rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup quinoa
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
#### Steps:
**Step 1: Prepare Ingredients**
- Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water.
- Dice the carrots, chop the celery, slice the onion, and mince the garlic.
**Step 2: Cook the Chicken**
- Place a large pot over medium heat. Add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Once hot, add the diced chicken and cook until browned on all sides (about 5 minutes).
- Remove the chicken from the pot with a slotted spoon and set aside.
**Step 3: Sauté Vegetables**
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion, celery, and garlic. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes or until softened.
- Stir in the diced carrots and continue cooking for another 5 minutes.
**Step 4: Add Broth and Seasonings**
- Pour in the chicken broth, add a bay leaf, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
**Step 5: Combine Ingredients and Simmer**
- Add the cooked chicken back into the pot along with the small pasta and mixed beans.
- Let everything cook together for another 10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
**Step 6: Cook Quinoa**
- In a separate medium-sized saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add quinoa, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed.
- Fluff with a fork and set aside.
**Step 7: Serve and Garnish**
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with cooked quinoa.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.
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Use keywords naturally throughout your recipe to improve search engine visibility. Incorporate relevant phrases like "chicken and noodle soup," "vegetable soup," and "beef broth" in your title, headers, and descriptions. Remember to use alt text for images if you include any, ensuring that the text describes the content accurately.
Enjoy this nutritious and comforting dish with family and friends!