Description
This Portuguese Kale Soup (Caldo Verde) blends smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and fresh kale in a comforting broth that’s ready in just over 30 minutes — simple, rustic, and full of rich flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 8 ounces Spanish chorizo or smoked sausage (sliced into 1/4-inch rounds)
- 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 pounds russet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 bunch lacinato (Tuscan kale, stems removed and leaves thinly sliced)
- Salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage slices and cook until browned, about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the sausage using a slotted spoon and transfer to a bowl.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add the potatoes, chicken broth, and water to the pot. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Remove half of the cooked potatoes from the pot and place them in a bowl. Using a fork or masher, mash the potatoes lightly until smooth, then return them to the pot. Stir to combine — this step gives the soup its naturally creamy texture.
- Return the browned sausage to the pot along with the kale. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, or until the kale is wilted and tender. Season with salt to taste.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and drizzle with a little olive oil if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Portuguese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg