Harvest recipes from Vermont

Creamy Braising Greens Soup

Serves 6 to 8

On the southern edge of the Northeast Kingdom in Craftsbury, Pete Johnson of Pete’s Greens farm grows a wide variety of organic vegetables, specializing in baby greens, root vegetables, and
heirloom tomatoes. Johnson uses greenhouses, root cellaring, and other season-extending techniques to offer the greatest vegetable diversity for as much of the year as possible. Madeiros was
inspired by Pete’s Greens to create this warm and nourishing soup.

Ingredients:

1 slice thick-cut bacon, diced

1 large sweet onion, peeled, diced

1 large carrot, peeled, diced

2 medium garlic cloves, peeled, minced

1/2 pound sausage, preferably linguica or chorizo

6 medium boiling potatoes, peeled, diced

7-1/2 cups chicken stock

2-1/2 cups mixed braising greens*, stems removed, cut into very fine strips

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Saute bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving drippings in the pot.

2. Add onion and carrot to the pot and cook until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and sausage and cook, stirring frequently, until sausage is lightly browned, about 5 to 8
minutes.

3. Add potatoes and stock, stir to combine, and bring to a boil, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are fork tender, about 15 minutes.

4. Add greens and cream and continue to simmer until soup is heated through, about 5 minutes. Season with hot sauce if desired and salt and pepper to taste.

5. Ladle into soup bowls and garnish with reserved bacon. Serve at once.

*Choose a mix of braising greens such as kale, chard, mustard greens, and dandelion greens, preferably locally grown.

Next page: Cavendish Quail with Maple Onion Glaze