7 c. water
1 lg. bunch spinach
1 1/4 lbs. red potatoes
Salt
2 bay leaves
3 tbsp. virgin olive oil
1 med. red or yellow onion, diced into 1/2" squares
6 cloves garlic, sliced
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
Freshly ground pepper
Finely chopped parsley for garnish

Heat water in large pan. Meanwhile, with sharp knife, remove stems from spinach leaves. Chop stems into 1" long pieces and add them to the water. Cut leaves into pieces about 2" square, wash well and set aside.

Scrub and peel potatoes and add peels to heating water along with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 bay leaf. When water boils, lower heat and let it simmer while you assemble remaining ingredients.

Cut peeled potatoes into pieces about 1/2" square.

Heat oil in soup pot, add onion, garlic, red pepper flakes and remaining bay leaf. Cook over medium high heat 3 or 4 minutes, stirring frequently, then season with salt. Stir in potatoes and 1 cup strained simmering stock. Cover and cook slowly for 5 minutes.

Add spinach, cover again and steam until leaves are wilted, stirring once or twice. Strain remaining stock into soup pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer slowly, covered, until potatoes are soft, about 30 minutes.

Use back of wooden spoon to break up potatoes by pressing them against sides of pot of puree 1 or 2 cups of soup in blender and return it to pot to make unifying background for other elements. Taste soup and season to taste with salt and generous grinding of pepper.

If possible, set soup aside 1 hour to allow flavors to merge and develop even further, then serve with light sprinkling of parsley. Makes 4 servings.