What's cooking good looking?

Since the start of the New Year, I have been really trying to cook more dinners at home. Many nights I find the 4 o'clock hour approach and realize that I have not planned out what to make for dinner. Previously, I would call the hubs and have him pick up something "quick" on the way home. Have you ever thought about the time that it takes to pick up something "quick"? If you have a well stocked pantry, you can prepare something healthy in less time than it takes to stop and get that pizza. AND what you prepare at home will be healthier and cost less in the end (bonus!).

One of my staples in the house is Quinoa. I happen to like the sprouted version (read: you don't have to rise before cooking), and it cooks in only 15 minutes! To up the flavor, I often cook it in chicken broth.  Here is a veggie loaded, nutrient rich, fill-you-up, soup that has been in my belly the past few weeks:

The recipe is as follows:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup quinoa, prepared per directions on packaging
• 4-5 kale leaves, stems removed, leaves chopped
• 1 cup (or 1 can) cannelli beans
• 1-3 tablespoons oil (olive or any other mild healthy oil you have on hand)
• 3-4 cups chicken broth/stock (depending on how thick you like your soup)
• Ground pepper to taste

Directions:

• Heat oil in medium sauce pan over medium heat
• Add onions, carrots, and garlic, stirring until onions are soft (4-5 minutes)
• Add broth/stock and kale leaves, cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes until kale is tender
• Add quinoa and beans, cook additional 1-3 minutes until heated through
• Add ground pepper to taste and serve

Now this is my kind of soup, it is loaded with veggies, plus full of protein and fiber from the quinoa and beans. If I had my way, this would be served with a nice piece of whole wheat/multigrain bread with a big slab of local grass fed butter!

What is your healthy go-to dinner recipe?