Maggie's In the Kitchen!

It has been so cold here I thought I would make something comforting....

What's in the pot??????

Here it is... The most delicious soup ever!! (well that's my opinion ;-}) Full of so many nourishing yummy things like chickpeas, kale, vegies and spices. I thought you might like the recipe so here goes...

North African Chickpea & Kale Soup

1 large onion, chopped

2 carrots, sliced or chopped

4 cloves of garlic, minced or pressed

1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/8th to 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 three inch cinnamon stick

3 cups cooked chickpeas(or 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed)

8 cups vegetable broth(or water plus bouillon)

1 large bunch of kale, thick centre ribs removed and chopped(at least 8 cups)

About 2 cups of water

salt to taste.

Method........

Spray a large saucepan with olive oil spray and heat it, Add onion and carrot and cook over medium -high heat until onion begins to brown(about 5 minutes) Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add the spices, including the 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 chopped kale and stir. If necessary add water to cover the kale and cook until tender, about 10-25 minutes,depending on how cooked you like your kale .

If it is becoming dry add more water as needed( I added more stock since I had lots)

Add salt to taste and serve.

I sprinkled parmesan cheese on top just because I like it like that..

Makes about 6-8 servings

One sixth of the recipe provides 199 calories;3g total fat;(11% calories from fat)11g Protein; 36 g carbohydrates;54 mg sodium;6g Fibre;175mg calcium

Imagine 6g fibre in one serving! sooooooo healthy.

I hope you will try it..