A few weeks ago, my parents took our kids to Medieval Times, this dinner-and-a-show place with men jousting on horses and princesses in the stands. They serve you a meal you have to eat without utensils and you drink water from steins etc. My son loved the soup, which after conferring with my mom, was essentially just a potato-heavy vegetable soup in light broth, that seemed thick. Did he say my version was close? No. But it did get eaten and with enough grated parmesan and bread on the side, it was a family-friendly hit.

You can brown some sausage and add it for more protein. As it goes with soups, they’re always better the next day or after a little rest. If you are one to prep ahead, this lasts for a week in the fridge. It is best made ahead without the kale or lemon. To serve, add the kale and lemon and reheat gently.