Quinoa, bean and vegetable soup

Have a cold? Soup is a well-known comfort food and the steam rising from the warm broth can help to reduce congestion too!

Ingredients

2 tablespoons canola oil (You can also use another oil of your choice.*)
1 cup diced onion
1 1/2 cups diced carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
1 cup diced celery (about 3 medium stalks)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary (You can also use ¾ teaspoon ground rosemary.)
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning blend
1 15-ounce can white beans, undrained
1 15-ounce can kidney beans, undrained
1 15-ounce can low-sodium black beans, undrained
1 15-ounce can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed (in a fine-mesh strainer) and drained

Directions

1. In a large stock pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, carrot and celery. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Add garlic, stir and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Add black pepper, rosemary and Italian seasoning. Stir and cook for 1 more minute.
3. Add beans, tomatoes and broth. Stir and bring to a boil. Add uncooked quinoa, stir and bring back to a boil. Once boiling, turn down heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Portion into bowls, allow to cool for 10 minutes and enjoy warm.

Makes 8 servings

Carb choices per serving: 2 1/2 

*Option not included in nutrition facts.