Minestrone Soup

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
• 1/4 pound pancetta, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped or 1 cup store-bought, pre-shredded carrots
• 4 stalks celery from the heart, chopped
• 1 fresh bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 can cannellini beans (15 ounces), drained
• 1 can chickpeas (15 ounces), drained
• 2 sprigs rosemary, leaves removed and finely chopped
• 4-5 sprigs thyme, leaves removed and chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes (15 ounces)
• 1 bunch kale, thick vein removed and leaves coarsely chopped
• 1 quart chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 pound whole wheat elbow pasta
• Shaved Pecorino Romano cheese

Heat a medium size soup pot over medium-high heat with the EVOO, about 2 turns of the pan. Add the pancetta and cook until crispy and golden brown, 4-5 minutes.

Add the onion, garlic, carrots, celery and bay leaf to the pot and cook until the vegetables have softened, about 5 minutes. Season the veggies with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Add the beans, chickpeas, herbs, tomatoes, stock and water to the pot and bring up to a bubble. Add the kale and cook until wilted. Add the pasta and boil the soup until the pasta has cooked to al dente, according to package directions. (If you aren't serving the soup right away, cook the pasta separately and add it to individual portions as you serve.)

Remove the soup from the heat and allow it to cool for about five minutes before serving.

I usually sprinkle with cheese before eating...I also left out the pancetta last time i made it b/c honestly i forgot to buy it and it still tasted good...It taste good w/it too...i have made it both ways now....oh and instead of kale i use a small bag of frozen spinach thawed and drained...