Quinoa Vegetable Soup with Kale

Ingredients (19)

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow or white onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 to 2 cups chopped seasonal vegetables, like zucchini, yellow squash, bell pepper, sweet potatoes or butternut squash
• 6 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 large can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
• Scant 1 cup quinoa, rinsed well in a fine mesh colander (use less for a lighter, more broth-y soup)
• 4 cups (32 ounces) vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt, more to taste
• 2 bay leaves
• Pinch red pepper flakes
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 can (15 ounces) great northern beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup or more chopped fresh kale or collard greens, tough ribs removed
• 1 to 2 teaspoons lemon juice, to taste
• Optional garnish: freshly grated Parmesan cheese