Borlotti Minestrone

INGREDIENTS

1 1/4 cups

dried borlotti beans (about 1/2 pound)

1/2 cup

coarsely chopped bacon (about 6 slices)

1 cup

chopped onion (about 1 small)

1 cup

chopped fennel bulb

3/4 cup

chopped carrot (about 2 carrots)

3/4 cup

chopped celery (about 2 stalks)

1 tsp

dried basil

garlic cloves, minced

2 cups

chopped zucchini (about 2 medium)

6 cups

chopped kale

3 cups

water

2 tbsp

tomato paste

2 14 ounce cans

fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth

1 14.5 ounce can

petite-diced tomatoes, undrained

1/4 tsp

salt

1/4 tsp

crushed red pepper

1/2 cup

grated fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese