KALE, QUINOA & WHITE BEAN SOUP

Name: KALE, QUINOA & WHITE BEAN SOUP
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil or 1/4 cup water/broth (for water saute); 1 onion, diced; 2 large carrots, diced; 2 large celery stalks, chopped (leaves ok too); 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 1/2 teaspoons herbes de provence or thyme; 1/2 teaspoon lavender, optional; pinch of red pepper flakes, optional; 1/2 cup dried quinoa; 2 cans (15 oz.) white beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices (fired roasted pref.); 7 – 8 cups vegetable broth or water; 1 package (5 oz.) baby kale or 1 small bunch*; mineral salt & fresh cracked pepper to taste