A creamy and comforting Caldo Verde (Portuguese kale soup) made with potatoes, chouriço, and olive oil. Healthy, nutritious and ready in 1 hour. The perfect soup for cold, rainy winter days, to warm your body and soul!
Looking for a traditional and easy Portuguese kale soup recipe? You've come to the right place! Caldo verde is a nutritious and comforting soup made with potatoes, kale (or collard greens) and slices of Portuguese chouriço. This traditional dish creates a creamy, flavorful soup using simple ingredients.
All you need is a pot, a blender, and a few simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen to make this creamy and delicious Caldo Verde (Portuguese kale soup). This healthy and comforting soup is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner when you’re short on time.
If you have leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you're looking for more comforting Portuguese soup recipes, check ou this Portuguese bread soup, Tomato soup with poached eggs, Red bean soup with pasta and chouriço or this Traditional dogfish soup! You can also find this recipe in 26 Traditional Portuguese Foods.
What is Caldo Verde?
Caldo Verde is a traditional Portuguese soup made with potatoes, kale (or collard greens), olive oil, and chorizo (Portuguese chouriço). It’s one of the most popular soups in Portugal and is often compared to chicken soup in the United States.
This simple and nutritious soup is a comforting favorite, perfect for many occasions, especially during cold winter days when you crave something warm and hearty.
Ingredients For Caldo Verde (Portuguese Kale Soup Recipe)
Here you'll find all the ingredients needed to make this Portuguese green soup recipe:
- Water - To cook all ingredients.
- Onion - Onion cut into pieces. It's an essential ingredient to add extra flavor to the soup.
- Potatoes - Adds creaminess to the recipe.
- Collard greens (or kale) - Adds flavor and color to the recipe.
- Olive oil - Adds some creaminess and flavor.
- Salt - For seasoning.
- Portuguese chouriço - Portuguese chouriço cut into slices. Adds flavor and color.
Below you’ll find the correct measurement of all ingredients and the step-by-step guide for this caldo verde recipe.
How to Make Caldo Verde (Easy Portuguese Kale Soup)
Step 1: Peel and wash the potatoes and onions. In a pot with water, add the onions and potatoes cut into pieces. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Step 2: When it starts to boil, reduce to medium-low heat and cook for 25 minutes.
Step 3: Remove briefly the pot from heat and use a hand blender to blend the soup until creamy. Season with salt, stir and place the pot back on the stove over medium-high heat.
Step 4: When it starts to boil, reduce to low heat and add the collard greens and the sliced chouriço. Stir with a wooden spoon and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Turn off the heat and serve with a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips For Portuguese Kale Soup
1. Blend the soup until obtain a creamy and smooth texture.
2. Add the kale (or collard greens) and sliced chouriço at the same time.
3. Turn off the heat and serve the soup with a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.
Variations
1. This recipe works perfectly with either kale or collard greens, but kale is the most popular option for a classic Portuguese kale soup in the United States.
2. For a healthier Portuguese kale soup, simply remove the chouriço.
3. If Portuguese chouriço isn’t available, this caldo verde can be made with Spanish chorizo or smoked sausage.
FAQs
What is caldo verde?
Caldo verde is a traditional Portuguese soup made with potatoes, kale (or collard greens) and Portuguese chouriço (you can also use Spanish chorizo or smoked sausage).
Can I use kale instead of collard greens?
Yes, kale is a common substitute and works very well (kale has curly, fibrous leaves with a bitter and spicy flavor, while collard greens have broad, smooth leaves).
What sausage is best for Caldo verde?
The traditional choice for Caldo Verde is Portuguese chouriço, which gives the soup its authentic flavor. If you can’t find it, Spanish chorizo or smoked sausage are excellent substitutes.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
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Caldo Verde (Portuguese Kale Soup Recipe)
A creamy and comforting Caldo Verde (Portuguese kale soup) made with potatoes, chouriço, and olive oil. Healthy, nutritious and ready in 1 hour. The perfect soup for cold, rainy winter days, to warm your body and soul!
4.25 from 4 reviews
- 1.5 liters (6 1/3 cups) water
- 3 medium onions
- 4 medium potatoes
- 250 grams (8 3/4 ounces) shredded collard greens (or kale)
- Olive oil (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- 75 grams (2 2/3 ounces) Portuguese chouriço
- Peel and wash the potatoes and onions. In a pot with water, add the onions and potatoes cut into pieces. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- When it starts to boil, reduce to medium-low heat and cook for 25 minutes.
- Remove briefly the pot from heat and use a hand blender to blend the soup until creamy. Season with salt, stir and place the pot back on the stove over medium-high heat.
- When it starts to boil, reduce to low heat and add the collard greens and the sliced chouriço. Stir with a wooden spoon and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Turn off the heat and serve with a drizzle of olive oil.
