Creamy White Bean Soup with Rosemary Bacon

4 slices thick cut bacon, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped rosemary
 
1 yellow onion, chopped
1-2 cups cubed butternut squash
1 red bell pepper, chopped
4 carrots, chopped
4 celery stalks, chopped
2-4 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 2 teaspoons dried)
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Chili flakes, to taste
1 pinch kosher salt
1 pinch black pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
4-5 cups low sodium vegetable broth
2 russet potatoes, peeled and diced
2 cans (14 ounces) white beans, drained
4-6 cups roughly chopped kale
1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
 
Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crisp, 5 minutes. Add the rosemary, cook another minute, then remove the bacon. If there's excess bacon grease, drain off all but 1 tablespoon.
 
Add the onion and cook 5 minutes, until golden. Add the butternut squash, bell pepper, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, basil, oregano, paprika, chili flakes, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Cook another 5 minutes, until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste.
 
Pour in the wine and broth, and add the potatoes. Simmer over medium heat for 20-30 minutes, until the squash is tender.
 
During the last 15 minutes of cooking, stir in the beans, kale, cream, and parmesan.
 
Serve the soup topped with the reserved rosemary bacon, additional parmesan, and fresh oregano, if desired.

Serves 6.

From Half-Baked Harvest blog, with some changes