Quinoa Vegetable Soup

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 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
Pinch red pepper flakes
Freshly ground black pepper
1 can (15 ounces) 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

Warm the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, seasonal vegetables and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often, until the onion has softened and is turning translucent, about 6 to 8 minutes.
Add the garlic and thyme. Cook until fragrant while stirring frequently, about 1 minute.
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and cook for a few more minutes, stirring often.
Pour in the quinoa, broth and the water. Add 1 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Season generously with freshly ground black pepper.
Raise heat and bring the mixture to a boil, then partially cover the pot and reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
Cook for 25 minutes, then remove the lid and add the beans and the chopped greens. Continue simmering for 5 minutes or more, until the greens have softened to your liking.
Remove the pot from heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Taste and season with more salt, pepper and/or lemon juice until the flavors really sing. (You might need up to ½ teaspoon more salt, depending on your vegetable broth and your personal preferences.) Divide into bowls and top with grated Parmesan if you’d like.