Turnip Green Soup

Photo and Recipe by Tod Dimmick









We should have a flavor tag that says "Tastes Green".  Turnip Green Soup would be first on the list.

Prep time:  10 minutes
Cook time:  20 minutes
Serves:  2 - 4 as a side dish.

INGREDIENTS
2 strips bacon
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 large bunch turnip greens, washed, stems separated from the leaves. (3-4 cups chopped)
 2-3 cups chicken stock
1/2 tsp. ground thyme
1/4 tsp ground cumin
pine nuts to garnish (optional)
salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS
Cook the bacon in the bottom of a stock pot.  When done to your liking, remove the bacon to drain and decide whether to use the bacon fat for cooking, or to pour it off and use olive oil.

Turn the heat under the container you used to cook the bacon to medium, can cook the garlic and stems for 2 minutes, stirring, or until the garlic begins to tan.  Add the turnip greens, stir, and cook for 1 minute.  Add the chicken stock, thyme, and cumin.  Bring to a simmer, and cook for 10-15 minutes or until greens are tender, stirring occasionally.

Using an immersion blender or a countertop blender, process the soup to the consistency you like.  Distribute to serving bowls, garnishing with pine nuts and crumbled bacon.

Variation: Add a cooked potato or a dollop of yogurt for a thicker, creamier soup