Acquacotta (Vegetable Soup)

• 1 lb. Swiss chard or kale
• 4 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped
• 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp. salt, or to taste
• 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper, or more to taste
• 2 Tbs. tomato paste
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 2-inch Parmesan rind
• 6 1-inch-thick slices Italian bread
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

1. Rinse chard in several changes of water until completely free of grit.
2. Drain, stack leaves on cutting board and finely chop.
3. Heat olive oil in large pot over medium heat.
4. Add onion, carrots and celery, and cook, stirring often, about 10 minutes, or until softened.
5. Stir in salt, crushed red pepper and tomato paste; cook 2 minutes.
6. Reduce heat to medium-low, add 8 cups water, tomato puree, Parmesan rind and chopped greens.
7. Cook, partially covered, 45 minutes, or until very thick, stirring occasionally; add more water if needed.
8. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
9. Remove rind.
10. To serve, place slice of bread in bottom of each bowl.
11. Fill with soup, sprinkle with cheese, drizzle with oil and serve.

swiss chard, extra virgin olive oil, yellow onion, carrots, stalks celery, salt, red pepper, tomato paste, tomato puree, parmesan rind, italian bread, parmesan cheese

Taken from www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/acquacotta-vegetable-soup/ (may not work)