Pasta e Fagioli (Italian Pasta and Beans)

Ingredients (19)

• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 medium-to-large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, scrubbed clean, finely chopped
• 2 ribs celery, finely chopped
• 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, divided
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes*
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 3 cups water
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, omit if sensitive to spice
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini beans, Great Northern beans, or chickpeas, rinsed and drained (or 3 cups cooked beans)
• 1 cup (about 4 ounces) cavatelli, ditalini, elbow or small shell pasta of choice
• 2 cups chopped Tuscan kale (tough ribs removed first), or chard or collard greens
• 1/4 cup finely chopped Italian parsley
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 medium lemon)
• Optional garnishes: Additional chopped parsley, black pepper, grated Parmesan cheese or light drizzle of olive oil