Quinoa Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cilantro, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, cook quinoa according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in thyme, oregano, and cumin. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Add vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and black beans to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Stir in cooked quinoa and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.