Ah hem, I digress. Well, now that I am doing IP the decadent, creamy, and oh so cheesy are off the list (for now!) so I'm delving into finding hearty and satiating soups that taste delicious and warm me up on a cold fall/winter's day. Last post, I made roasted red pepper soup - so good! I wanted to set out and make something to pack in those leafy greens that I typically stray from as I just have not developed a fine appreciation for yet... things such as cabbage, and kale. Kale is the "it" leafy green right now. Look in stores, and you will see: kale chips, kale tapenade, kale pesto, kale crisps, etc! The problem for me is I simply don't like it. I've had it sauteed, baked, crisped and it still just taste funky...until now. When, I throw it in this soup it adds to the vitamin content, and is masked from me ( a former picky vegetable eater) as just a nother leafy green floating around.
This soup may not look the most appealing, but it does pack some flavors which include garlic and ginger. If you try it out, as always I would love your feedback!
Serves: 4 large bowls of soup ( so approximately 2c. of leafy greens per serving- IP friends!)
Ingredients:
1. 2 c. chopped cabbage ( I used Nappa because I had it on hand, others would work too)
2. 3 c. chopped spinach ( I used Northern, again it was in the fridge. Baby spinach works just as well)
3. 3 c. chopped kale
4. 1 large bulb of fennel- diced
5. 4 T. minced garlic
6. 3 T. tomato paste
7. 1 T. ground ginger
8. 48 oz. sugar-free chicken stock
9. 2-4 T. of EVOO
10. S+P to taste
Directions:
1. In large stock pot, heat EVOO on medium.
2. Once oil is hot and coats all sides of pot, add garlic. and fennel Sautee until golden brown.
3. Next, add the: chicken stock, and tomato paste.
4. Whisk all ingredients until, tomato paste is blend and broth forms a light red color
5. Add all remaining ingredients.
6. Simmer on low for 18-20 minutes.
7. Serve warm and ENJOY!
One of the best things about this soup, is its souper (pun intended) great to take to work. One pot, and you have 4-5 lunches for the week. This soup travels well, and does not stink up the office!