I make a similar meatless chili in a crockpot (I make a LOT at once and freeze for a quick lunch or dinner for 1 or 2)- and I think you'll like this idea: along with carrots, celery, onions and garlic, I usually use 3 - 4 cans of (low sodium, rinsed) beans (2 kidney, 1 each of another; I like black and small white or pink beans), 3 - 4 red / yellow / orange sweet peppers (I but at the farmer's market when fresh and cut up and freeze the
extras for making chili in the fall / winter); 1 or 2 zucchini and / or yellow
squash, and (drum roll) 1 can of organic PUMPKIN
PUREE!
Simple soup
purees like
squash soup, broccoli soup, and tomato soup work well, and will get momma
extra broth for mineral boosting and recovery that she needs.