Warming Minestrone Soup with Quinoa & Kale

1 sweet onion - medium diced
2 celery stalks - medium diced
3 carrots - medium diced
2 tablespoons olive oil (or enough to cover the bottom of the pot)
2 cloves garlic - finely chopped
2 cups fresh zucchini - medium diced (about 1 medium or 2 small)
2 cups green beans - cut into 1 inch pieces
1 bell pepper - medium diced
1.75 lbs of fresh tomatoes or 1 x 28 ounces can (BPA free) crushed tomatoes
4 cups of water
1 15 ounce can (BPA free) of cannellini beans
1 15 ounce can (BPA free) of chickpeas
1 cup quinoa
2 cps kale - stems removed
1 teaspoon turmeric
pinch of red pepper flakes
salt and pepper to taste

Place a large stockpot over medium heat and add the onions, carrots and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes or until softened.
Add the garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes and cook for about 1 minute or until garlic begins to color.
Add the zucchini and green beans, season with salt and pepper, add the turmeric, stir and cook for about 3 minutes.
Add the tomatoes and the water, raise heat to high and bring to a boil.
Lower the heat to medium/low and allow the soup to gently boil (uncovered) for about 20 minutes.
Add the quinoa and cover for 15 minutes.
Remove the cover, add the kale and the canned beans (more water if needed) bring back to a gentle boil and cook for another 5 minutes or just until the kale is tender.

Source: FOOD MATTERS