Father Sal's Spinach Soup

4cups spinach, trimmed, washed, and roughly chopped
2tablespoons virgin olive oilSalt and freshly ground pepper
1small yellow onion, chopped3/4pound spaghettini, broken into pieces
3garlic cloves, peeled and mincedGrated Parmesan cheese


Put the spinach with water still clinging to the leaves into a medium pot. Cover pot and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until leaves have wilted, about 10 minutes. Transfer spinach to a bowl and set aside. Wipe pot dry with paper towels and return to medium-low heat.

Heat oil in the same pot, then add onions and cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add garlic and continue to cook and stir for about 30 seconds. Add reserved spinach, tomatoes, and 15 cups water and season to taste with salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high, bring soup to a boil, and add spaghettini. Reduce heat to medium and simmer soup until pasta is tender, about 15 minutes. Adjust seasonings and serve with grated Parmesan cheese.