Minestrone - Miz En Place

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 medium ribs celery, chopped
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 2 cups chopped seasonal vegetables (potatoes, yellow squash, zucchini, butternut squash, green beans, peas, etc)
• 4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes, with their liquid
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp fine sea salt
• 2 bay leaves
• Pinch of red pepper flakes
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup whole grain orecchiette, elbow or small shell pasta
• 15 ounces canned Great Northern beans or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups baby spinach, chopped kale or chopped collard greens
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnishing (optional)