INGREDIENTS:
1 slice (¼-inch-thick) prosciutto, about 4 ounces, cut into ¼–inch dice (do not trim off the fat)
75ml extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
1 large yellow onion, cut into ½–inch dice
1 large leek, white and pale green parts only, cut into ½-inch dice
2 celery ribs, cut into ½-inch dice
2 small carrots, cut into ½-inch dice
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon oregano
¼ teaspoon crushed hot red pepper flakes
1 courgette, trimmed and cut into ½-inch dice
1 can chopped tomatoes in juice
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1.5 - 2L reduced-sodium chicken broth
Rind from a 450g chunk of parmesan cheese (OPTIONAL)
1 bay leaf
1 can kidney beans
350g packed thinly sliced kale, thick stems removed
Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper
Method
Cook the prosciutto and oil together in a soup pot over medium heat just until the prosciutto is lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Then, add the onion and leeks. Cook, stirring occasionally until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the celery, carrots, garlic and oregano, and cook until the vegetables are beginning to soften, about 3 minutes more. Add the courgette and cook until it begins to soften for about 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes and their liquid and the tomato paste, bring to a boil and cook for 3 minutes. Add the broth, bay leaf and the Parmesan rind. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer until the flavours are blended, about 1 hour. Stir in the beans and kale and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Remove the parmesan rind. Serve and Enjoy!