Winter Vegetable Soup

Posted on January 15, 2024

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 medium yellow or white onion, chopped
3 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 cups chopped seasonal vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, green beans, butternut squash, potatoes, bell pepper, zucchini or yellow squash
1 teaspoon fine sea salt, divided, to taste
6 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 large can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
4 cups (32 ounces) vegetable broth
2 cups water
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, reduce or omit if sensitive to spice
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 cups chopped kale or collard greens or chard (thick ribs removed), or spinach
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Heat 3 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt. Cook for 2 minutes. Add carrot, celery and seasonal vegetables. Cook, stirring often, until the onion has softened and is turning translucent, about 6 minutes.
Add the garlic, curry powder and thyme. Cook until fragrant while stirring frequently, about 1 minute. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and cook for a few more minutes, stirring often.
Pour in the broth and water. Add 1/2 teaspoon more salt, 2 bay leaves and the red pepper flakes. Season generously with freshly ground black pepper. Raise the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, then partially cover the pot and reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
Cook for 25 minutes, then remove the lid and add the chopped greens. Continue simmering for 5 minutes or more, until the greens have softened to your liking.
Remove the pot from heat and remove the bay leaves. Stir in the lemon juice and remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Taste and season with more salt, pepper and/or red pepper flakes.