Kale Soup!

I made Kale Soup yesterday evening so that we could eat healthy and well for a week, and to entertain my father-in-law this evening. Kale Soup is a recipe that I inherited from my Aunt Kim who lives in Washington state. The original recipe calls for a few basic veggies and kale, but over the years I've expanded the variety of veggies I put in it.

This soup never fails to please. People who haven't even heard of the green, or who are generally opposed to foods that are green in nature, love this soup. I have decided that I would like to share my recipe, although there are no exact ingredients. Here is my best attempt at getting them down.

Kale Soup

Ingredients:

1 onion, finely chopped
2 small/medium zucchinis (courgettes), chopped
2 small/medium yellow squash, chopped
2 medium turnips, peeled and chopped
3 medium parsnips, peeled and chopped
2 medium carrots, chopped
4 or 5 medium red potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 large (or 2 small) rutabagas, peeled and chopped
7 cloves of garlic, peeled and coarsely chopped
4 sticks of celery, finely chopped
16-20 stalks of kale, rinsed and greenery pulled from stems
3 quarts (2.8 litres) of prepared chicken broth, low sodium if possible
1 lb (16 oz, 454 g) turkey kielbasa, cut in medium thick, half wheels
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Place chopped veggies and kielbasa in at least a 4 quart (3.8 litre) pot - the bigger the better. Pour chicken broth over the veggies and then add water if needed to fill the pot to 1.5 inches (6.25 cm) below the edge. Add as much salt and pepper as you wish.
2. Bring to a rolling boil.
3. Add kale to pot, pushing down as you add it, and cover pot with a lid.
4. Cook for 5 minutes and stir kale down into soup.
5. Repeat twice.
6. Reduce heat to medium and allow to cook, stirring occasionally for 25-30 minutes. Kale should be well cooked but not falling apart.

Serve hot with warm bread for a delicious meal!

This soup freezes very well, and can last for as long as a week in the fridge if stored and covered properly.

Enjoy!