Minestrone - Hearty Mid-Winter Recipe - Litchfield Farmers' Market

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 pound sliced pancetta, sausage, or smoked sausage (optional)
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1/2 red pepper, seeded and chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 large red or yellow onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon marjoram
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup soft sun-dried or oven roasted tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 quart chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 cups water
• 1 small bunch of kale or spinach, washed, dried, stgems removed and chopped
• 1 cup uncooked pasta - short cut
• 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas
• Grated or shredded cheese - Pecorino Romano, Parmesan or a combination (optional)
• Croutons (optional)