Soup on Sunday

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