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Soups and Stews


2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 celery rib, chopped
1 medium carrot, chopped
Salt to taste
2 to 4 garlic cloves, minced
4 anchovy fillets, soaked in water for 4 minutes, drained chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 (28-ounce) can chopped tomatoes, with liquid
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 quart water
1 pound fingerling or Yukon gold potatoes, scrubbed and sliced
A bouquet garni made with a bay leaf, a strip of orange zest, a couple of sprigs each thyme and parsley, and a dried red chile if desired, tied together with a string
Generous pinch of saffron (optional)
Freshly ground pepper
1 bunch (10 to 12 ounces) black kale, stemmed and washed thoroughly in two changes of water
1 1/2 pounds firm white-fleshed fish such as halibut, tilapia, Pacific cod, or black cod, cut in 2- or 3-inch pieces

Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large, heavy soup pot or Dutch oven and add the onion, celery, and carrot. Cook, stirring, until the onion softens, about 5 minutes. Add a generous pinch of salt and stir in the garlic, anchovies and chopped parsley. Cook, stirring, until the mixture is very fragrant, another minute or two, and add the tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook, stirring often, until the tomatoes have cooked down a bit and the mixture smells aromatic, about 10 to 15 minutes. Add the water, potatoes, salt to taste, and the bouquet garni and bring to a simmer. Add the saffron, turn the heat to low, cover and simmer 30 minutes. Taste, adjust salt, and add pepper to taste. Remove the bouquet garni.
While the soup is simmering bring a medium pot of water to a boil, salt generously and add the kale. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, just until tender but still colorful. Transfer to a bowl of cold water, then drain and squeeze out excess water. Chop coarsely and set aside.
Shortly before serving season the fish with salt and pepper and stir into the soup, along with the kale. The soup should not be boiling hard. Simmer 5 minutes (depending on the thickness of the fillets), or just until the fish flakes easily when poked. Remove from the heat, taste once more and adjust seasonings, and serve.
Advance preparation: You can make this through step two up to three days ahead. Keep in the refrigerator, bring back to a simmer and proceed with the recipe.

Unrated