Kale Soup

I found this recipe in Bread & Circus Grocery Store (now Whole Foods) like 15 years ago. I can't find the original anywhere. This may be way off the original, but it works for me and it is perfect for cold winter days when you want something healthyish. So here goes as I have modified it over the years.

Olive Oil (1/4-1/2 cup)
Onions (1 good size, yellow)
Garlic (4-6 cloves)
A bunch of Kale (Cut off the stems, wash and chop up)
Carrots (4 or 5, cut up in to 1/4 to 1/2 inch chunks)
Parsnips (about the same amount or a tad bit more than the carrots, cut up in to 1/4 to 1/2 inch chunks)
Potatos (4 or 5 each red bliss and yukon gold on the small to medium size, cut up in to 1/4 to 1/2 inch chunks)
2 large cans whole tomatoes (John Muir, Pastene, or the like, organic is good, cut them up a little and use the juice)
1 or 2 cans diced tomatoes (John Muir, Pastene, or the like, organic is good, and use the juice)
Basil and any other spices, to taste but I don't use much so the flavor of the veggies really comes out.
Pepper, to taste
Salt, to taste
Orzo (Cook in a separate pot, 1 1/2 cup dried)
Water if you want it soupier
Goat Cheese (optional, best done on the side, I like some herbed stuff from Vermont)
Black Olives (optional, best done on the side)
Good Bread

Cooking it goes like this.
Cut all the veggies up first. This takes a while. Careful if you have a sharp knive (like the one iI got for Christmas, Thanks Beth and Julia), not to chop off a finger.

In a big pot, heat about a 1/4 to 1/3 cup of oil, saute onions and garlic till clearish.
Throw in the kale till it cooks down. You'll know when. Then I throw in the tomatoes. You're now ready to throw in the rest of the veggies. Bring the whole thing to boil for a while. Then turn down to medium or low, cover, and let cook for at least 30 minutes to an hour. Till the taters, carrots and parsnips are done.

Right before you are ready to eat, cook some orzo in a separate pot. Strain. Throw in with the rest.

TaDa, Thow it in a bowl, add a chunk of goat cheese to the top, and a slab of bread to the side for sopping up good juices and enjoy.