Soups & Stews > International Soups & Stews > Latin American Soups & Stews > Caldo Verde Recipe (Portuguese Kale Soup)

Caldo Verde (Portuguese Kale Soup)

Caldo Verde, meaning "green broth", is a traditional Portuguese soup made with potatoes, kale (usually collard greens in Portugal), and chouriço sausage. It's a simple yet incredibly flavorful and comforting soup. This recipe captures the authentic taste of Caldo Verde, perfect for a cozy meal.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Servings
4-6
Ingredients
  • 1.5 lb Potatoes
  • 4 oz Chouriço Sausage (or Smoked Sausage)
  • 8 oz Kale (or Collard Greens)
  • 1 Onion
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 6 cups Chicken Broth
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Preparing the Ingredients

Peel and chop the potatoes into small cubes. Thinly slice the onion and mince the garlic. Remove the stems from the kale (or collard greens) and finely shred the leaves. Slice the chouriço sausage into thin rounds.

Sautéing Aromatics and Sausage

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the sliced chouriço and cook until lightly browned, releasing its flavorful oils.

Adding Potatoes and Broth

Add the cubed potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender.

Pureeing the Soup

Using an immersion blender, carefully puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches and blend until smooth (be cautious when blending hot liquids). Return the pureed soup to the pot.

Adding the Kale

Stir in the shredded kale (or collard greens) into the pureed soup. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, or until the kale is tender but still vibrant green. Do not overcook the kale.

Seasoning and Serving

Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil (optional) and a few slices of chouriço sausage.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Please note: This is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients used. Calories: Approximately 80-120kcal, Protein: 4-6g, Fat: 4-8g, Carbohydrates: 8-12g.

Other Considerations for Nutrition

Caldo Verde is a relatively low-calorie and nutritious soup. The kale provides vitamins and minerals, while the potatoes offer carbohydrates for energy. Using leaner sausage can help reduce the fat content.

← Brazilian Black Bean Stew (Feijoada) Classic French Onion Soup →

FAQ

  • Can I use a different type of sausage?

    Yes, you can substitute with other types of smoked sausage if chouriço is not available. Linguica or kielbasa are good alternatives.
  • Can I use water instead of chicken broth?

    While you can use water, chicken broth adds more flavor to the soup. Vegetable broth is another good option.
  • Can I make this soup ahead of time?

    Yes, Caldo Verde can be made ahead of time. The flavors will meld together even more as it sits. However, the kale may lose some of its vibrant green color upon reheating.