Ingredients and Weight: - 2 carrots, medium size, diced - 2 celery stalks, chopped - 1 large onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 slices bacon, chopped - 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice - 1 (15-ounce) can white kidney beans, drained and rinsed - 1 (15-ounce) can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed - 1 (15-ounce) can small pasta shells (such as ditalini or tubettini), drained (optional) - 1 cup sliced zucchini - 1/2 cup chopped Swiss chard leaves - 1/2 cup chopped kale leaves - 6 cups chicken broth - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Preparation Time: - 15 minutes
Cooking Time: - 60 minutes
Difficulty Level: - 2/5 (Easy)
Preparation Method Steps: 1. In a large pot, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. 2. Add carrots, celery, and onion to the bacon and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. 3. Add garlic and cook for another minute. 4. Stir in diced tomatoes, white beans, black-eyed peas, and chicken broth. 5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes. 6. Add zucchini, Swiss chard, and kale and cook for 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. 7. Stir in pasta shells, if using. 8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Nutritional Information: - Calories: 250 - Fat: 10g - Protein: 20g - Carbohydrates: 30g - Fiber: 10g
Dish Characteristics: - Hearty and flavorful Italian soup - Ideal for fall and winter meals - Packed with vegetables, beans, and Parmesan cheese - Can be made vegetarian by omitting bacon
User Comments: - "This soup was absolutely delicious and comforting. The vegetables were perfectly cooked and the flavors were well-balanced." - "I loved the addition of zucchini, Swiss chard, and kale. It gave the soup a nice fresh taste." - "I can't believe how easy this soup was to make. It's definitely going into my regular soup rotation."
Special Precautions and Tips: - Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the soup. - If you can't find ditalini or tubettini pasta, you can use any small pasta shape. - Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.