Winter Minestrone Soup

Place a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until golden and crispy. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.

Add the garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes, until well combined. Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and Parmesan rind and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 1 hour.

Stir in the beans and cook for another 5 minutes, until warmed through. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve.