Chickpea, Quinoa, and Tomato Soup

"Why did you do all this for me?" he asked.  "I don't deserve it.  I've never done anything for you."

"You have been my friend," replied Charlotte.  "That in itself is a tremendous thing."

-E.B. White, Charlotte's Web

I can still remember being six years old and reading Charlotte's Web in grade school.  I was completely captivated by the story, Charlotte, and her friendship with Wilbur.  I cried at the end of the book, of course, and, to this day, think every spider I see is Charlotte.  This makes for a humorous situation in our home, as Dayv is terrified of spiders.  He will come rushing into the room, completely horrified, to tell me he found a spider on the wall.  "I'm going to kill it!" he'll say.  "No!  Don't kill Charlotte!" I'll respond.  I get a napkin, carefully trap my friend, and let her outside.  Never kill a Charlotte.

Every person needs a friend like Charlotte in their life.  A friend that will love you for all you are and all that you will become.  A friend that sees your potential in life and will do whatever they can to help.  A friend to rest your shoulder on, to tell all of your worries and inconsequential daily problems, and not worry about being judged.  My Charlotte is Lora.

I have been missing Lora tremendously since she moved to South Carolina last July.  We talk on the phone and email each other weekly, but it's a far cry from seeing each other on a bi-weekly basis.  After a particularly difficult week of soul searching and life refection, and one in which Lora and I talked on the phone two nights in a row, I came home from work to find a package.  My heart wanted to burst from all of the love I felt after reading the return address was from Lora.  The presents inside were wrapped so perfectly that I almost didn't want to open them.  I carefully unwrapped the two boxes and found the most beautiful apron I have ever seen, and a cookbook with gorgeous photographs and inspiring recipes.  I think of the quote above, and how lucky I am to have Lora in my life.   

Thank you, Lora, for continuing to love me, believe in me, and encourage me.  And for just being you.  

Notes: I have made this soup a number of times, varying the ingredients slightly.  If you prefer, rice is a great alternative to the quinoa.  I have also added mushrooms and broccoli, which makes for a more hearty, but equally delicious soup. 

Chickpea, Quinoa, and Tomato Soup

adapted from Pure Vegan

serves four to six

1 tsp olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

6 cloves of garlic, minced

1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary

1/2 tsp chopped fresh sage

sea salt

6 cups vegetable broth

1/2 c dried quinoa, rinsed

1 16oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

28oz can diced tomatoes

In a large pot over medium heat, saute onions with a bit of sea salt until translucent.  Add in garlic and a bit of sea salt and saute for an additional 3 minutes, or until fragrant.  Add herbs and saute for 30 seconds.  Add vegetable broth and bring to a boil.  Add in quinoa, cover pot, and reduce heat to low.  Allow to cook for 20 minutes.  Take off cover and add chickpeas and tomatoes.  Allow to cook for an additional 10-30 minutes.  Enjoy!

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