Chia Protein Soup with Roasted White Cabbage, Onions, and Squash

This flavorful and nutritious chia protein soup combines the earthy richness of roasted white cabbage, onions, and squash with the health-boosting benefits of chia protein powder. It's a comforting and hearty dish that's perfect for a cozy meal.

Ingredients:

For the Roasted Vegetables:

• 1 small white cabbage, sliced into wedges
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups butternut squash, diced
• 2-3 tablespoons toasted pumpkin seed oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme sprigs for garnish)

For the Chia Protein Soup:

• 2 tablespoons chia protein powder
• 4 cups vegetable broth (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon ground paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Olive oil for sautéing

Instructions:

For the Roasted Vegetables:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced white cabbage, chopped onion, and diced butternut squash. Drizzle with toasted pumpkin seed oil and toss to coat. Season with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme, mixing well to ensure even seasoning.

3. Roast the Vegetables: Spread the seasoned vegetables on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Make sure to flip the vegetables halfway through the roasting time for even cooking.

4. Remove and Set Aside: Once the roasted vegetables are done, remove them from the oven and set them aside.

For the Chia Protein Soup:

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large soup pot, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute or until fragrant.

2. Add Spices: Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, and ground paprika. Cook for an additional minute to release the flavors of the spices.

3. Prepare the Chia Protein Mix: In a separate bowl, mix the chia protein powder with 1 cup of vegetable broth. Stir until the chia protein is fully dissolved, creating a smooth mixture.

4. Combine Ingredients: Pour the chia protein mixture and the remaining 3 cups of vegetable broth into the soup pot with the sautéed aromatics and spices. Stir to combine.

5. Simmer the Soup: Let the soup simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

6. Blend the Soup (Optional): If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it reaches your desired texture.

7. Serve: Ladle the chia protein soup into bowls, and top each serving with a generous portion of the roasted white cabbage, onions, and squash. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, if desired.

This Chia Protein Soup with Roasted White Cabbage, Onions, and Squash offers a harmonious blend of savory roasted vegetables and a protein-packed chia-infused broth. It's a hearty and satisfying dish that's perfect for warming up on a cold day. Enjoy this nutritious and flavorful meal!