===== Minestrone Soup =====

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  * 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  * 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  * 2 medium carrots, chopped
  * 2 celery ribs, thinly sliced
  * 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
  * Freshly ground black pepper
  * 3 garlic cloves, grated
  * 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  * 1½ cups cooked white beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  * 1 cup chopped green beans
  * 4 cups vegetable broth
  * 2 bay leaves
  * 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  * 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  * ¾ cup small pasta, elbows, shells, orecchiette
  * ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
  * Red pepper flakes
  * Grated Parmesan cheese, optional, for serving

=== Instructions ===
  - Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, salt, and several grinds of black pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
  - Add the garlic, tomatoes, beans, green beans, broth, bay leaves, oregano, and thyme. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
  - Stir in the pasta and cook, uncovered, for 10 more minutes, until the pasta is cooked through.
  - Season to taste and serve with parsley, red pepper flakes, and parmesan, if desired.