Dinner: Tuscan-Kale-and-Squash Minestra

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Kale

Health benefits of Tuscan-Kale-and-Squash Minestra

Kale is an excellent source of calcium, which has an important role in egg maturation and follicle development in the ovaries.

Ingredients

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
One 2-pound butternut squash, neck only, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (2 1/2 cups)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon finely chopped rosemary
1 pound Tuscan kale, stemmed and leaves coarsely chopped
4 cups chicken stock
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup ditalini or tubettini pasta
1 cup drained canned navy beans
Shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and garlic toasts, for serving

Instructions

In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil. Add the onion, cover and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until softened, 4 minutes. Add the squash, cover and cook, stirring, until lightly browned in spots but not tender, 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and rosemary and cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Add the kale and cook, stirring, until wilted, 5 minutes. Add the stock, cover and simmer until the kale and squash are just tender, 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Meanwhile, bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain the pasta.
Add the pasta and navy beans to the soup and simmer until the soup is slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Ladle the soup into deep bowls and garnish with shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Serve with garlic toasts.

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