Jamie Oliver's Scrumptious Spanish Chickpea and Chorizo Soup

Dear Jess,

Firstly, I am sorry about the delay in this post. It has been unavoidable, because of some neighbourhood squirrels that seem to thoroughly enjoy chewing through internet chords (even after we have fixed them numerous times). Thus, I find myself making frequent trips to OCAD (which, I believe is now named OCADU) between teaching my classes, to use the internet here.

The weather has been crazy. It was calling for snow this week, however I don't believe it has dipped below 8 degrees. Due to this, and my lame sickness that seems to have completely owned me for a week, I decided to make soup last night!

This recipe actually came from your house. Jamie Oliver's book 'Jamie's Dinners' to be more specific. I made a few changes during the process, however it turned out delicious, and very appropriate for an easy, hearty and tasty mid-week, curl-up-in-your-track-pants, dinner. Instead of using ham, I doubled the sausage, and I used half a pound of spinach instead of a full pound.

 

Scrumptious Spanish Chickpea and Chorizo Soup
olive oil
5 1/2 oz chorizo sausage, finely chopped
1 onion, peeled and finely chopped
1 clove of garlic, peeled and finely chopped
2 sticks celery, finely chopped
1 lb fresh spinach, washed and chopped
8 fresh tomatoes, deseeded and roughly chopped
1 14oz can or jar of good quality chick peas, drained
5 cups chicken stock
salt and pepper
2oz spanish ham or prosciutto, finely chopped
extra virgin olive oil
2 hard boiled eggs

1. Put your oil and chorizo in a large pot. Cook for a couple of minutes and add onion, garlic and celery. Turn heat down and cook for 15 minutes with the lid on and without colouring the onions. Take the lid off and allow a little colouring to happen. Add your spinach, tomatoes, chickpeas and chicken stock. Bring to boil, and then lower the heat and simmer for 40 minutes.

2. Partly puree. Remove from heat and stir in your ham or prosciutto and 2 or 3 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil.

3. Garnish with grated hard boiled egg and serve!


In closing, I want to express how much I appreciate our friendship. You are such a supportive and encouraging force in my life. I am truly blessed to have you in my life. Last weekend was precisely what I needed. I love that we don't have to pretend about anything with each other, and that sincere honesty and love reigns.

I love you,
Sally