Caldo Verde

I found this in my search for soup recipes that use chickpeas.  In looking further into it, I think the traditional version of this soup is not pureed, or at least not to the extent this is, and it is also less greens dense.  Since it is now well into the fall, the season when greens still abound because they are frost tolerant, but we know the season's end nears, this seems like a perfect option.  The other thing about this is that I have stewed and frozen quite a few greens this summer, and I can still manage to crank it out well into February while we wait for the tender Asian greens of the spring to arrive.  This recipe is vegetarian, but I think sausage can be added.

1. • 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
   • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
   • 1 cup small-diced onions
   • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
   • 8 cups mixed leafy greens (kale, collards, and mustard)
   • 1 cup no-salt-added chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
   • 1 quart stock
   • Salt
   • Freshly ground black pepper

Pour the olive oil into a large pot, and place over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Add the onions and paprika; lower the heat to medium; and cook, covered, until tender, 2 to 3 minutes.

Put the greens into a blender and blend until pureed (you may use a little water to help, or use the wand tool that comes with some blenders to force the greens to blend without water). Pour this mixture into the pot, increase the heat to high, and cook until the water has evaporated from the greens.

Pour two-thirds of the chickpeas into the blender with 1 cup of the stock and blend until smooth. Add the pureed chickpeas to the pot with the remaining chicken stock and chickpeas and bring to a simmer. Cook covered until the greens are tender and the soup has thickened, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into four bowls and serve.