Vegan Southwestern Soup

½ cup onion, diced small (about 1/2 a medium sized onion)

1 clove garlic, minced

1 cup brown rice, uncooked

4 cups vegetable broth

1 cup water

1 tsp chile powder

½ tsp cumin

½ tsp paprika

1 cup carrots, sliced

1 15oz can black beans

1 15oz can sweet corn

2 large handfuls spinach

salt and pepper to taste

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a saucepan over medium/high heat. Add onions and saute until nearly translucent, about 3-5 minutes.

Add minced garlic and saute for about one more minute, until fragrant.

Add brown rice, vegetable broth, water, carrots and spices.

Turn heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 35-40 minutes.

Add beans, corn, and spinach. Cook for 5-10 more minutes, until everything is warm and tender.

Remove from heat and serve. Garnish with cilantro and add salt and pepper to taste.