Italian Potato-Pasta Soup With Greens

Ingredients

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, more for garnish

2 cups diced onion

1 cup diced carrot

1 cup diced fennel or celery

Salt and pepper

1 bay leaf

1 large thyme sprig

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 teaspoons paprika

2 tablespoons tomato paste

12 cups chicken broth, vegetable broth or water

900g medium-size starchy potatoes, such as Yukon Golds or russets, peeled and cut in 1-inch chunks

230g kale or chard, stems removed, leaves sliced across into 1/2-inch ribbons (about 4 cups total)

14g dried pennette, orecchiette or other small pasta

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary or marjoram, for garnish

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Method

In a large, heavy soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. When it shimmers, add onion, carrot and fennel, stir, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until softened and golden, 5 to 10 minutes.

Adjust the heat to prevent vegetables from browning or scorching.

Stir in bay leaf, thyme sprig, garlic, paprika and tomato paste and cook, stirring, 1 minute.

Add broth, potatoes and a large pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a brisk simmer. Cook until potatoes are cooked through but still firm, 12 to 15 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasonings.

Stir in kale and pasta and simmer another 10 minutes, or until greens are well cooked and pasta is done. (Soup can be made up to this point, without the pasta, cooled and refrigerated for up to three days.)

Ladle soup into bowls, and sprinkle with chopped rosemary and Parmesan.

Drizzle each serving with a teaspoon of olive oil.

Pass extra Parmesan at the table.