Tomato Rice Soup With Kale

I threw a parmesan rind in here because I had one (what's left when the actual cheese is gone), but you could certainly leave it out.

Ingredients:

3 Tb. olive oil
1 large onion, finely diced
4 large garlic cloves, minced
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
1 large carrot or two small, peeled and sliced into very thin coins
2 bay leaves
1 Tb. fresh thyme or 1 ts. dried thyme
1 large bunch kale, washed, stemmed, and coarsely chopped
2 28 oz. cans whole tomatoes with juice, pureed in the food processor with a few chunks left in
1/2 c. long grain rice (such as Basmati)
4 c. water
parmesan rind
salt and pepper
red pepper flakes
celery leaves, olive oil, and grated parmesan for serving

Instructions:

In a large stockpot, heat olive oil. Add onion, garlic, celery, and onion, and saute until soft, about 10 minutes. Add bay leaves, salt, pepper, and thyme. Add kale, stirring vigorously, and saute until kale turns bright green and is beginning to wilt. Add pureed tomatoes, water, rice, and parmesan rind. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 20 minutes, until rice is tender, adding more water to your liking. Add more salt and pepper to taste and some crushed red pepper flakes, if you like.

Source: epicurious.com