3 potatoes, peeled and chopped into large bite-sized pieces
2 cans northern beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup finely chopped onions or shallots
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup finely chopped carrots
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary or 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
1/2 tablespoon finely chopped fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves or 2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional, more or less if desired
3 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken stock
1 parmesan rind or 1 2-inch piece parmesan, optional
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 bay leaf