• Soup on Sunday

    by  • 14 Sep ’08 • foods, soup • 15 Comments

    I love soup! Especially when the season changes to autumn I begin to crave steaming bowls of soup and hearty stews. At least it feels like autumn, as I believe we have missed summer again in Scotland. So with that in mind I have decided to start a new feature—Soup on Sunday. Bon Appétit

    North African Chickpea and Kale Soup


    This yummy soup is from the Fatfree Vegan, one of my favorite websites. For the record I am not a vegan, more like a semi-vegetarian. Please don’t be put off it you are not a vegan, this site has some of the most delicious (and healthy) recipes imaginable. This delicious soup is a case in point.

    1 large onion, chopped
    2 carrots, sliced or diced
    4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
    1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
    1/2 teaspoon paprika
    1/8-1/4 teaspoon chilli powder or cayenne
    1/4 teaspoon allspice
    1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
    generous pinch saffron, lightly crushed
    2 bay leaves
    1 3-inch cinnamon stick
    3 cups cooked chickpeas (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
    8 cups vegetable broth (or water plus bouillon)
    1 large bunch kale, thick center ribs removed and chopped (at least 8 cups)
    about 2 cups water
    salt to taste

    Spray a large saucepan with olive oil spray and heat it. Add the onion and carrot and cook over medium-high heat until the onion begins to brown (about 5 minutes). Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add the spices, including bay leaves and cinnamon stick, and cook, stirring, for another minute. Add the chickpeas and stir to coat them with the spices. Pour in the 8 cups of vegetable stock, bring to a boil, and reduce heat to a simmer for 20 minutes.

    Add the chopped kale and stir. If necessary add water to cover the kale and cook until it is tender, about 10-25 minutes, depending on how cooked you like your kale. Check frequently to see if it is becoming dry and add water as needed. Add salt to taste and serve.

    Photo and recipe © Susan Voisin

    15 Responses to Soup on Sunday

    1. Michelle
      14 Sep ’08 at 9:18 am

      Yum, yum, yum. I love chickpeas and kale is so good for you. I can’t wait to make this soup. Great new feature.

      Reply
    2. vicki archer
      14 Sep ’08 at 9:20 am

      Sounds perfect for Sunday lunch – off to the market immediately, never good to read delicious recipes if you are hungry!

      Reply
    3. ALL THE BEST
      14 Sep ’08 at 9:29 am

      Thanks Michelle!

      I know what you mean Vicki, it’s like going to the store hungry – not good!

      Reply
    4. LucyinStLou
      14 Sep ’08 at 1:44 pm

      What a great recipe! This is perfect for the rainy dreary day we’re experiencing here in the Midwest US.

      Reply
    5. Visual Vamp
      14 Sep ’08 at 2:49 pm

      I hope you wear that dress when you’re making soup ha ha

      Reply
    6. 14 Sep ’08 at 3:11 pm

      Ooh, that souo sounds great! I love the African spice combo. I’ll be giving this a try!

      Reply
    7. Brandie
      14 Sep ’08 at 3:59 pm

      Thanks so much for posting about Fatfree Vegan. I have recently become a vegetarian and am considering veganism…this website looks like a great resource.

      Reply
    8. Maya
      14 Sep ’08 at 5:52 pm

      It’s a rainy day in coastal Rhode Island, not cold yet but still I would love to dig into that soup right now. Great use of kale too. So I definitely will try this one. Thanks for the resource!

      Reply
    9. Rebecca@Harmony and Home
      14 Sep ’08 at 10:11 pm

      This soup looks hearty and filling. I LOVE soup season! Every Autumn I look for a new favorite soup recipe. I’m giving this one a try! Also, love the dress!

      Reply
    10. All Things Bright and Beautiful...
      15 Sep ’08 at 12:56 am

      Rhonda – GREAT dress !

      Reply
    11. Pigtown-Design
      15 Sep ’08 at 10:13 pm

      Not quite soup weather here! In the 90′s with matching humidity this past weekend!

      Hope you’re all well. I’ll be in London in late October.

      Reply
    12. elly e
      16 Sep ’08 at 2:40 pm

      O my goodness Ronda I want that dress. O Andy he is so cute to me. Where did you find this pic?

      Reply
    13. Fifi Flowers
      17 Sep ’08 at 2:58 am

      Aah soup… the sign that cooler weather is coming! That looks and sounds delish!
      Might be fun to wear that dress while eating it!

      Reply
    14. 20 Sep ’08 at 11:46 pm

      fucking hate kale but this sounds good…will give it a go when I next cook for vegan restaurant Pogos…

      Reply
    15. Adrienne
      28 Sep ’08 at 11:00 pm

      Ronda,
      It was awesome. I made a second batch and gave part away. The recipients loved it too. A keeper!
      Adrienne

      Reply

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