Seriously Good White Bean Soup

Step 1

Heat the oil in a stockpot pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, celery, and the tomato paste. Cook, stirring often until the vegetables have softened and the onions are translucent; 8 to 10 minutes.

Step 2

Add the garlic, black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and the red pepper flakes. Cook, while stirring, for one minute.

Step 3

Stir in the beans, broth, thyme and the bay leaves. Raise the heat to medium-high and bring the soup to a boil. Partially cover the pot with a lid, and then reduce the heat to maintain a low simmer.

Step 4

Simmer for 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Add the pasta and cook for 5 minutes more, and then add the spinach or kale and cook until its bright green and tender and the pasta is cooked, about 5 minutes more.

Step 5

Take the pot off of the heat and remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Stir in the lemon slices. Taste and season with more salt and pepper. Serve. The lemon slices are not intended to be eaten, but they add a lovely lemon flavor to the soup.