Scandinavian Christmas ~ Danish Kale Soup

This soup is filled with great vegetables such as leeks, potatoes, carrots, celery, and kale. A great plus for this one is that you can put everything in your slow cooker and about 5 hours later, you have a wonderful nutritious and healthy soup.  An extra bonus? Oatmeal!  Get those whole grains and vitamins in a comforting bowl of soup.

10 cups chicken broth

2 cups cubed cooked ham

1 1/2 lbs. potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 4 - 5 medium)

1 1/2 cups sliced carrots (3 medium)

1 cup thinly sliced leeks (3 medium)

1 cup sliced celery (2 ribs)

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 t. ground black pepper

1/2 t. freshly grated nutmeg

3/4 cup quick cooking oats

4 cups coarsely chopped kale

1 T. fresh thyme

In a 5 - 6 quart slow cooker, combine chicken broth, ham, potatoes, carrots, leeks, celery, garlic, pepper, and nutmeg. Cover and cook on low heat setting for 8 - 10 hours or on high heat setting 4 - 5 hours.

Gradually stir in oats. Stir in kale and thyme. If on low heat setting, turn to high heat setting. Cover and cook 30 minutes more.

From Better Homes and Gardens