1 to 2cupschopped seasonal vegetableslike zucchini, yellow squash, bell pepper, sweet potatoes or butternut squash
6garlic clovespressed or minced
1/2teaspoondried thyme
1large can28 ounce diced tomatoes
Scant 1 cup quinoarinsed well in a fine mesh colander (use less for a lighter, more broth-y soup)
4cups32 ounces vegetable broth
2cupswater
1teaspoonsaltmore to taste
2bay leaves
Pinchred pepper flakes
Freshly ground black pepper
1can15 ounces great northern beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1cupor more chopped fresh kale or collard greenstough ribs removed
1 to 2teaspoonslemon juiceto taste
Optional garnish: freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Warm the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, seasonal vegetables and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often, until the onion has softened and is turning translucent, about 6 to 8 minutes.
Add the garlic and thyme. Cook until fragrant while stirring frequently, about 1 minute. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and cook for a few more minutes, stirring often.
Pour in the quinoa, broth and the water. Add 1 teaspoon salt, 2 bay leaves and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Season generously with freshly ground black pepper. Raise heat and bring the mixture to a boil, then partially cover the pot and reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
Cook for 25 minutes, then remove the lid and add the beans and the chopped greens. Continue simmering for 5 minutes or more, until the greens have softened to your liking.
Remove the pot from heat, then remove the bay leaves. Stir in 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Taste and season with more salt, pepper and/or lemon juice until the flavors really sing. (You might need up to ½ teaspoon more salt, depending on your vegetable broth and your personal preferences.) Divide into bowls and top with grated Parmesan if you’d like.