Eden-aid: Curried Quinoa and Yam Soup

Eden has been suffering some really severe headaches and yesterday was a bad day for her. Seemed like a little soup on what was literally - as well as metaphorically - a rainy day might be a good thing. Even it if couldn't cure the ailment at least it would show some love and concern. And she wouldn't need to worry about, or make, dinner. 

My good friend Nancy shared the basic recipe with me. It was delicious as she sent it. I made a few changes that I think make it even better. It is fast, easy, and super yummy. (Ya, I know, I know. I've said that before - but it is.) Better yet, it can be made on the spur of the moment from things that I usually have in my pantry. Fastest of all when there are frozen, diced, organic sweet potatoes in the freezer. The only thing you may not keep on hand is the cilantro but it is worth stopping to pick up at the market - it really kicks this up a few steps on the yummy scale. Looks pretty too.

Curried Quinoa and Yam Soup

(adapted from Nancy's recipe*)

1 red onion finely chopped

3 tsps finely chopped ginger

1 garlic clove minced
1 Tbsp coconut oil

1 tsp Red Thai curry paste

4 1/2 cups (1.1L) chicken stock

2/3 cup quinoa 

1 (19 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juice 

1 tbsp dark brown sugar

2 medium yams  peeled and cut into small cubes (or 4 cups diced, frozen, sweet potatoes)

salt to taste

3/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 

Place the coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, ginger, and garlic. Cook 2 minutes until softened. Mix in the curry paste and cook 30 seconds more. Add stock, quinoa, tomatoes, sugar, and bring to simmer. Simmer  for 5 minutes. Add the yams and simmer 10-13 minutes more or until yams and quinoa are tender. Season with salt. 

Puree with an immersion blender.

I serve this with a very generous garnish of chopped cilantro - but I love cilantro. If you don't, try some finely sliced green onion.

I wish that I could just kiss it and make it better for Eden. That climbing in my lap and snuggling in my arms was all that it still took to sooth the misery of feeling poorly. Hopefully, it still helps to know that I really, really care. That I love her.

* Unfortunately I don't know where Nancy got the original recipe.