Kale Minestrone with Pistou

By kathryns

Do Ahead: Soup can be made 2 days ahead (or 2 months if frozen). Let cool; transfer to airtight containers and chill.

Ingredients

• PISTOU:
• 3 sprigs oregano
• 3 sprigs rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 TB olive oil
• 4 ounces pancetta (Italian bacon), chopped (optional)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 leek, white and pale-green parts only, thinly sliced
• 2 carrots, peeled, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt
• 2 TB tomato paste
• 1 28-oz. can whole peeled tomatoes, drained
• 1 Parmesan rind (about 2 ounces; optional)
• 3 c. cooked cannellini beans, cooking liquid reserved if desired, or two 15-oz. cans, rinsed
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 12 oz baby Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed, cut into 1/2” pieces
• 1/2 bu Tuscan kale, ribs and stems removed, leaves torn into 1” pieces
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 c. fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 c. olive oil
• 2 TB freshly grated Parmesan
• 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
• Kosher salt

Preparation

Step 1

Tie oregano, rosemary, and bay leaves together with kitchen twine.

Heat oil in a large heavy pot over medium. Add pancetta, if using, and cook, stirring often, until browned around the edges, about 5 minutes. Add onion, leek, carrots, celery, garlic, and red pepper flakes; season with salt. Cook, stirring often, until onion is translucent and carrots are tender, 10–12 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring to coat, until slightly darkened, about 3 minutes.

Add tomatoes, crushing with your hands as you go, then herb bundle, Parmesan rind, if using, and 6 cups water or reserved bean cooking liquid, or a combination. Season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Add potatoes, reduce heat, and simmer until potatoes are tender and flavors have melded, 20–25 minutes. Add kale and beans; cook until kale is tender, about 5 minutes. Discard Parmesan rind and herb bundle.

PISTOU:
Pulse garlic and basil in a food processor until finely chopped. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in oil, Parmesan, and lemon zest; season with salt. Serve soup topped with pistou.