Portuguese Kale Soup, Al's Original

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Portuguese Kale Soup

Al's Original Portuguese Kale Soup

There's nothing quite as gastronomically satisfying as a great,
hearty homemade soup such as this on a cold winter day!

1 tsp. meat tenderizer
1 lb. lean stew beef, cut into bite-size pieces
1 lb. linguica, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 lb. fresh carrots, sliced
1 large mild onion, chopped
3 to 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut up
2 1/2 to 3 cups chopped fresh kale
1 Tbs. minced garlic
1 bay leaf
2 tsp. parsley flakes
3 chicken bouillion cubes
1/4 tsp. basil
1/4 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. dried red pepper flakes (or, to taste)
1 tsp. salt
6 cups water
1/4 tsp. tarragon
1/2 cup chopped celery (optional)

Sprinkle meat tenderizer over stew beef cubes and allow to stand for 20 to 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, place all other ingredients into a crock pot. Turn crock to High setting. (Or use a medium- to large-sized stock pot over a medium flame on the stove.)

Add stew beef.

Allow to cook at least 2 to 2 1/2 hours, stiring occasionally.

Serve piping hot with any "Old World" style bread, such as Italian, French, Portuguese, etc.

Note: Freezes well for later use. Heat up in microwave.

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