Tuscan Kale and White Bean Minestrone Soup

Ingredients

• • 1 carrot, cut into small dice
  • 1 stalk celery, cut into small dice
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
  • ¼ tsp ground fennel seeds
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
  • 2 ½ cups (625 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 ½ cups (375 ml) strained tomatoes
  • ½ lb (225 g) Tuscan kale, stems removed, coarsely chopped (see note)
  • 1 recipe cooked white beans and its cooking water
  • 6 slices country bread, toasted (optional)
  • Salt and pepper