Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • kosher salt and black pepper
  • 2 15.5-ounce cans cannellini beans, rinsed
  • 1 cup small soup pasta, such as tubettini, ditalini, or orzo (4 ounces)
  • 1 bunch kale, thick stems discarded and leaves torn into 2-inch pieces (8 cups)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan (2 ounces), plus 1 piece rind (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 loaf country bread, warmed

Method

  • Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  • Add the garlic, celery, onion, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 4 to 6 minutes.
  • Add the beans, pasta, kale, rosemary, 8 cups water, and Parmesan rind (if using). Cover and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer until the pasta and kale are tender, 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Remove the Parmesan rind. Stir in the lemon juice and sprinkle with the shaved Parmesan before serving. Serve with the bread.