Gypsy Soup

combination of sweet potatoes, chickpeas and kale. The rusty color of the broth comes from a combination of tomato, paprika and turmeric with sweet basil thrown in for good measure.

Gypsy Soup
(adapted from Moosewood Cookbook Classics)

2 -3 tablespoons olive oil
2 large yellow onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 stalk celery, diced
2 large sweet potatoes, diced
1 teaspoon sea or kosher salt
1/3 cup tomato sauce
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon basil
a dash of cinnamon
a dash of cayenne
1 bay leaf
4 cups vegetable broth or water
1 (14 ounce) can chick peas, drained and rinsed
2 cups kale leaves, torn into bite size pieces, stems removed

1. In a soup pot or large saucepan heat the olive oil and saute onion, garlic and celery over medium-low heat until tender. Add sweet potato and salt; saute 3-4 more minutes.

2. Add seasonings, tomato, broth, chickpeas and kale. Bring to a boil and simmer slowly for 25 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender. Taste halfway through and adjust seasonings if needed. Remove bay leaf before serving. Serve immediately with crusty bread.