Sick Day

Sunday's usual menu post is taking a sick day... here however is my favorite soup recipe that hopefully will have me feeling better in no time....

Mighty Minestrone

extra virgin olive oil
2 large garlic cloves
2 carrots diced
1 stalk celery diced, plus any additional leaves from the stalk
1 small onion diced
S&P (salt and pepper)
14 can diced tomatoes in juice
1 bay leaf
2 large fresh sage leaves
parmesan cheese rind (optional)
2 cups cannellini beans (or other white beans), rinsed well and drained if from a can
1 bunch swiss chard (kale works nicely too), chopped
1 cup little star pasta, or other small pasta shape
grated parmesano reggiano cheese for garnish

heat a large pot over medhigh heat and add 1 TBS olive oil and garlic, sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute
add carrots, celery, and onion and cook, stirring frequently, until veggies soften and begging to brown, about 4 minutes, season with S&P

add tomatoes, bay leaf, sage, and cheese rind (optional), add enough water to cover the vegetables by 2 inches and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. add beans and kale and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes. season once more with S&P to taste

just before the soup is done, bring a saucepan 3/4 full of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. cook al dente to package directions and drain well. put desired amount of pasta in bowls, then ladle the soup on top. drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with the parmesan