Brothy Cavatelli with Sundried Tomatoes (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Aromatics

01 - 3 small shallots, peeled and thinly sliced
02 - 4 cloves garlic, grated

→ Vegetables

03 - 2 cups kale, finely chopped
04 - 1 jar (200g) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained (reserve oil)

→ Seasonings

05 - 1 tsp dried oregano
06 - 1 tsp fennel seeds
07 - 1 tsp dried thyme
08 - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
09 - Kosher salt, to taste
10 - Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

→ Liquids

11 - 4 cups vegetable stock
12 - 1 & 1/2 cups herb & roasted garlic creamy plant-based broth (or unflavored oat milk as substitute)
13 - Juice of 1 lemon

→ Pasta & Cheese

14 - 225g dried cavatelli pasta
15 - 1 parmesan rind (optional)
16 - 60g fresh parmesan, for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - Peel and thinly slice the shallots. Grate the garlic cloves. Finely chop the kale and set aside.
02 - Heat a stock pot or high-sided sauté pan over medium heat. Add the reserved oil from the sun-dried tomatoes and let it come to temperature. Add shallots and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt.
03 - Add oregano, fennel seeds, thyme and red pepper flakes, stirring to coat the shallots. Incorporate garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for another 4-5 minutes to toast the spices and mellow the garlic.
04 - Pour in the vegetable stock and stir well. Add the parmesan rind if using. Increase heat slightly and bring the soup to a simmer.
05 - Add the cavatelli pasta to the simmering broth and cook for 5 minutes. Add the kale and continue simmering for an additional 3-4 minutes, until pasta is al dente.
06 - Pour in the creamy plant-based broth (or oat milk) and season with salt and pepper to taste. Turn off the heat and remove the parmesan rind.
07 - Squeeze juice from one lemon into the soup and adjust seasoning as needed.
08 - Portion into 4 bowls and top each with freshly grated parmesan and cracked black pepper. Serve immediately while warm.

# Notes:

01 - The parmesan rind adds exceptional umami depth to the broth but can be omitted for a vegetarian version.
02 - For a creamier texture, allow the soup to rest for 5 minutes before serving.