Tuscan Bean Soup

OK, so I know that beans are generally excluded in a paleo/primal diet, but it is Easter, and I decided to make a huge pot of Tuscan bean soup.
I have company). Beans are generally excluded from the Paleo diet because of the lectins they have. (If you want a more primal option, you can make this soup without the beans.) This is a sort of variation of pasta e fagioli. (Obviously no pasta.)

Note: My mom makes the best pasta e fagioli in the world, so this is a pale comparison, but still really good! You can also make it with white wine and chicken broth instead of red wine and beef broth. The ham bone imparts a lovely flavor, and I would recommend adding the salt and pepper last after the soup has simmered for several hours and after you add the cheese so that it does not become too salty.


Tuscan Bean Soup

1 cup cannellini beans soaked overnight or 2 (14-ounce) can store-bought beans, drained and rinsed.
2 (14-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
1 cup yellow onions or 1 leek
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced celery or celery root
1/2 pound diced pancetta, bacon, or ham
4 cloves garlic, sliced
2 quarts beef stock
1 large ham bone.
2 sprigs rosemary (1/2 T. chopped
3 sprigs thyme (1 T. chopped)
1 sprig oregano (1 t. chopped)
2 bay leaves.
1 cup red wine.
1 bunch spinach
1 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, or mixed italian cheeses, grated.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Place the onion, celery and carrot in a large, heavy-bottomed, soup pot. Add minced pancetta, bacon, or ham. Cook over a medium-low heat, or until the onion is translucent but not brown. Add spinach, garlic, herbs, and bay leaves and stir briefly to wilt. Add tomatoes, beans, and broth, and bring to a boil. Once the soup is boiling, add ham bone, and cover and turn down to low for 4-6 hours, keeping an eye on the liquid, and adding water as needed.

When ready, adjust the salt as needed, remove the ham bone, and stir in 1-2 cups shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano. Serve with crusty whole grain bread and large Paleo salad. If you are me, try to eat salad instead of bread... :)