Tuscan Soup Bliss: Hearty White Bean & Kale Magic

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• 8 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian)
• 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 bunch Tuscan kale (or regular kale), stems removed and chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 4 slices crusty bread, cubed (Italian bread, sourdough, or similar)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling (optional)