Pyrex Love! North African Kale & Chickpea Soup!

My good friend Angela has been spring cleaning and dropped by two goodies for me. I promptly washed them and made something yummy to fill them with. I've been reading more about the yucky qualities of plastic, so glass food storage seems to be an all-around healthy, and really cute, idea!

To fill my new dishes and my belly, I made a delicious pot of North African Chickpea & Kale Soup. It is delicious, easy to make, and very healthy! I would definitely recommend the recipe in terms of easiness, taste, and cheap, nutritious ingredients. I got the recipe from Fat Free Vegan, a reliable and fun source.

The recipe gave me the chance to open up my treasured little box of saffron!

North African Chickpea and Kale Soup

Recipe:

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 chili powder or cayenne

1/4 teaspoon allspice

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

generous pinch saffron, lightly crushed (optional)

2 bay leaves

1 3-inch cinnamon stick (didn't have, so I sprinkled in a little cinnamon instead)

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.