Caldo Verde is a warm and comforting soup from Portugal, made with fresh kale, potatoes, and onions. This dish is a perfect mix of creamy and hearty, making it more than just a soup!
It’s super easy to make, and you can sip it with some crusty bread on the side. I always add a bit of chorizo for a tasty kick—trust me, it takes it to another level! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Potatoes are the base that gives Caldo Verde its creamy texture. I recommend using starchy potatoes likeRussets for a smoother soup. If you prefer, sweet potatoes can add a twist!
Kale: Portuguese kale (also known as “couve galega”) has a unique flavor and texture, but regular kale or even collard greens work just fine. If you’re looking for a milder taste, spinach is a good alternative.
Chorizo: Chorizo adds a fantastic flavor kick! If you want to keep it vegetarian, you could skip the sausage entirely or use smoked tofu for some depth. There’s also vegetarian chorizo available in some markets.
Chicken broth: If you’re making this dish vegetarian, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It’s just as tasty!
How Do I Get a Creamy Texture in My Soup?
The key to a perfect creamy texture in Caldo Verde is the blending step. Here’s how to do it right:
- Cook the potatoes until they are very tender; this makes blending easier.
- If using a regular blender, blend in small batches to avoid overflow. Let the soup cool slightly before blending for safety.
- For a richer flavor, blend in some of the olive oil before adding the kale and sausage.
Keep the heat gentle when adding the kale after blending. It should cook just enough to wilt, ensuring it keeps its vibrant color!
How to Make Caldo Verde
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups water or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 8 ounces kale or collard greens, thinly sliced (Portuguese kale preferred)
- 8 ounces chorizo or Portuguese linguiça sausage, sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Crusty bread
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Caldo Verde takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes chopping and mixing, and the soup will simmer for about 20 minutes until everything is perfectly tender. It’s a quick and cozy meal to warm you up!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Base:
In a large pot, combine the peeled potato chunks, chopped onion, minced garlic, and the water (or chicken broth). Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. This is where your soup begins to build flavor!
2. Simmering:
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. You want the potatoes to become very tender—you’ll be blending them soon!
3. Blending the Soup:
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it’s nice and smooth. If you have a regular blender, blend the soup in batches—just be careful not to fill it too full; hot soup can splash! After blending, return the soup to the pot.
4. Adding Olive Oil and Seasoning:
Stir in the olive oil and give it a good taste. Add salt and pepper according to your preference. This step is essential for bringing out all those yummy flavors.
5. Cooking the Greens:
Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer and add the thinly sliced kale or collard greens. Cook for about 5 minutes until the greens are tender yet still bright green. They should be vibrant and fresh!
6. Browning the Sausage:
While the soup is simmering, take a skillet and place it over medium heat. Add the sliced chorizo or linguiça sausage and lightly brown them for about 3-5 minutes. The sausage will release its delicious flavor as it cooks!
7. Mixing It All Together:
Add the browned sausage slices to the soup and stir gently. Allow it to heat through for a couple of minutes. This blends all the lovely flavors and ensures the sausage is nice and warm.
8. Serve Up Your Caldo Verde:
Serve your Caldo Verde hot, drizzled with a little extra olive oil if you like, and don’t forget that crusty bread on the side! Enjoy your warm and hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy and delight!
This classic Portuguese soup is not only simple and hearty but also perfect for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Kale for Caldo Verde?
Yes, frozen kale works well! Just make sure to thaw it beforehand, and you can add it directly to the soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking. The flavor will still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Caldo Verde?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month. Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed to thin it out.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! To veganize Caldo Verde, replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chorizo or use a plant-based sausage. You can increase the olive oil for richness instead!
What Can I Serve with Caldo Verde?
This soup pairs excellently with crusty bread, but you can also serve it with a simple salad or toasty garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy dipping the bread into the flavorful broth!
