Vegetable Quinoa Soup

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 small zucchini, chopped
• 1 yellow squash, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups fresh green beans, broken or cut into 3/4-inch pieces
• 1 box (32 ounces) vegetale broth (I used Pacific Natural Foods)
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

1. Heat the olive oil in large, heavy-bottomed stockpot over medium-low heat. Once hot, add the onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the carrots, celery, zucchini, yellow squash, and green beans and continue to cook for 4 to 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Add the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, thyme, and basil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the vegetables are fork tender, approximately 25 to 30 minutes. Stir in the cooked quinoa and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve warm.

Note: To cook the quinoa, rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water. Add quinoa, 2 cups water, and a pinch of salt to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil for 5 minutes. Turn the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.