I just had to put something in the subject line to get your attention!
I’m not a big collard greens fan, despite having lived in the South almost my whole life. (I guess that’s because I’m really a Yankee by birth.) Anyhow ... I spotted this recipe in my local newspaper’s food section this past week, and for some unknown reason, I decided to make it.
Not only was the recipe really simple to make, it turned out delicious! 
Minestrone with Collard Greens and White Beans
from The Houston Chronicle, Wednesday, November 14, 2007
The tasty trio of onion, garlic and tomatoes forms a quick foundation of flavor for this vegetarian soup—no need for meat-based broths or cream. The greens’ slight bitterness plays nicely against the creamy beans and sweet tomatoes.
1 Tbs. olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
Coarse salt and ground black pepper
2 Tbs. tomato paste
1 pound (about 2 bunches) collard greens, stalks removed, leaves coarsely chopped
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/4 tsp. red-pepper flakes
2 (19-ounce) cans white beans (cannellini beans) rinsed and drained
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes in juice
8 Tbs. grated Parmesan cheese
In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion begins to soften, 5 to 6 minutes.
Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, until onion is coated, about 30 seconds.
Add collard greens, thyme and red-pepper flakes. Cook, stirring, until collards start to wilt, 2 to 4 minutes.
Place 1/4 of the beans in a bowl and mash them with the back of a spoon (this will help thicken soup). Add all the beans to the pan, as well as tomatoes with juice and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer until collards are tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste; serve with 2 Tbs. Parmesan cheese sprinkled over each serving.
Makes 4 servings.
Nutritional Data (per serving): 379 calories, 6.3 grams fat (2.2 saturated), 25 grams protein, 58.8 grams carbohydrates, and 19 grams fiber.
