Comfort Food

When I came across Alison Roman’s NYT-Famous Chickpea Stew, I thought “Ohhh … I’ll try this one!” Alas, and as usual, I found I had neither the patience nor temperament to read a complete recipe or to follow anything or anyone. But you can find Alison’s recipe here. Famous Chickpea Stew.

I took my own path to delicious (USING double the Turmeric; adding Nutmeg and Curry, Carrots, Celery and the option of adding chicken or shrimp). The result was a hearty, gorgeous soup with a beautiful, golden color. Here is what I did, from me to you, With Love and Butter!

A note to meat eaters!: Look for the notes in Bold below, if you are adding Shrimp or Chicken..

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THE INGREDIENTS

• 1, 29 ounce can of Chickpeas, or 2 15 oz cans Rinsed Well!
• 2 15 oz cans of full fat coconut milk
• 1 Cube of vegetable or Chicken stock
• 1-1/2 cups chopped Kale or Mustard Greens.
  This is optional. The soup is also very good without the greens!
  Spinach or Arugula are ok, but not sturdy.
• NOTE TO MEAT EATERS: Option: If you want to make this meaty, have some raw chicken Breast Chunks OR Fresh Shrimp at the ready.)
• 3 Sticks Celery, diced small
• 2 Carrot Sticks, diced small
• 1/2 a Medium Onion, diced small
• A knob of fresh, minced ginger (about as big as your whole thumb)
  (I keep mine in the freezer)
• 3 Teeth of garlic, finely minced
• 2 Tbsp. Turmeric
• 1 Tsp Yellow Curry
• 1/2 Tsp Nutmeg
• Salt & Pepper
• 1/4 Tsp (or more) Red Pepper Flakes (Cayenne will work)

PREPARATION

1. In your favorite a sturdy soup pot, heat 2 Tbsp of Olive Oil plus 1 tbsp butter.
2. Toss in the chopped Garlic, Onion, Ginger, Celery & Carrots.
3. Sauté over medium heat, adding a bit of water to prevent sticking or burning, until the onions are clear and becoming soft.
4. Add the Turmeric.
5. Now add your rinsed Chickpeas. Stir.
6. After the Chickpeas are in the pot, add all the coconut milk. Stir.
7. Into this mix, add the remaining spices:, Nutmeg, Salt & Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes. (Gentle with the pepper flakes. You can add more later.)
8. Cover and simmer on low for 30 – 45 minutes.
9. IF YOU ARE USING GREENS, this is when you add your chopped Kale, or whatever greens you prefer. I served some of this dish before adding the Kale! It’s optional, really. See my photos at the end. I have pictures of this soup with and without the kale!
   
   IF YOU ARE ADDING MEAT, this is the point when you add your Chicken Chunks or Fresh Shrimp!
10. Cover and cook on low for another 20 minutes.

SERVING & GARNISHES
Ladle into a bowl and garnish with any of these:

• Sour Cream or Yogurt
• Fresh Mint OR Cilantro Leaves
• Chives
• Orchid, Hibiscus flower or any edible flower (Pansies are nice!)