Classic Minestrone Soup

extra virgin olive oil

chopped carrots

chopped onion

chopped celery

fennel bulb, trimmed and chopped

or 4 finely chopped garlic cloves

tomato paste

Salt and fresh ground pepper

cooked dried beans or canned kidney beans, drained

Large handful green beans, blanched in salted boiling water 3 minutes; cut into 2-inch pieces

Small bunch dark leafy greens: spinach, chard or kale, washed

cooked bite size pasta, such as elbows, ditali or tiny shells

Grated Pecorino or Parmesan cheese, for serving