Jambalaya Soup - Key Lime Coconut

Ingredients

• 1 cup red pepper (or green bell pepper, chopped)
• 1 small onion (chopped, about 1 cup)
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 jalapeno pepper (minced)
• 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning (store bought or see recipe link, above)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 sprig fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 15 ounce can tomatoes (chopped, diced or crushed)
• 5 cups vegetable broth or stock (homemade or store bought)
• 2 cups red beans
• 3 cups cooked brown rice (measures 3 cups *after* cooked)
• green onions (or scallions, thinly sliced, for garnish)
• salt and black pepper (to taste)