Minestrone with Chicken Meatballs

INGREDIENTS

• 2 Tbs. olive oil
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and cut into rounds 1/2 inch
• thick
• 2 celery stalks, cut into slices 1/2 inch thick
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups chopped kale leaves
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 1 large tomato, seeded and chopped into 1-inch
• pieces
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 2 cups water
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 can (19 oz.) cannellini or white kidney beans
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• Salt, to taste, plus 1/2 tsp. salt
• Red pepper flakes, to taste
• 1 lb. ground chicken
• 2/3 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 1/4 cup dried bread crumbs
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, plus
• more, to taste