Portuguese kale and potato soup (caldo verde)  

Bring 6 cups of water to a light boil, then add 1 lb yukon gold potatoes (about 3 medium), peeled andquartered, and a rough-chopped onion.  Bring to a boil, season with 2 tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper.  Cover and reduce to a  simmer until potatoes are tender (20 mins).  Using an immersion blender,… Continue reading Portuguese kale and potato soup (caldo verde)  

Hearty three-bean soup garnished with rendered bacon

Loosely based on this Italian mixed bean soup by Umberle, available here:  http://www.food.com/recipe/italian-mixed-bean-soup-211966.  Sauté about 1 oz bacon (cut into matchsticks) until browned and rendered, then set aside.  Using the rendered fat, sauté 1 chopped onion, 5 cloves minced garlic, 7 sprigs each Greek oregano and thyme(leaves only), and ½ tsp crushed red pepper.  When fragrant, add 5… Continue reading Hearty three-bean soup garnished with rendered bacon

Split yellow pea soup

Recipe loosely based on: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/yellow-split-pea-soup-recipe.html.  Using a large Dutch oven, sauté about 2 oz bacon (cut into matchsticks) until rendered and browned, then set aside.  Add 1 chopped onion, 3 carrots (peeled and chopped), 4 stalks chopped celery, 5-7 sprigs thyme (leaves only), and 2 bay leaves.  Sauté until fragrant, then add 8 cups low… Continue reading Split yellow pea soup