Red Beans & Quinoa

Ingredients

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 3 (15-ounce) cans kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups quinoa, rinsed
• Sea salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste (optional)