Caldo Verde is a cozy Portuguese soup made with simple ingredients like potatoes, kale, and chorizo. It’s warm, hearty, and perfect for chilly days!
I love how easy it is to whip up this soup. Just simmer, blend, and enjoy! Plus, it’s like getting a big hug in a bowl—who wouldn’t want that? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Starchy potatoes like Russets work best for a creamy texture. If you want a lighter option, you can use Yukon Golds. If you’re in a pinch, frozen mashed potatoes could work, but fresh is always best!
Chorizo: Portuguese chorizo adds great flavor, but you can use any smoked sausage or even turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter take. For a vegetarian option, skip the sausage and add more veggies or beans for texture.
Kale: Traditional recipes use kale, but collard greens or even spinach will work. If you prefer, you can also use Swiss chard. Just remember that spinach cooks faster, so add it towards the end.
Broth: Chicken broth gives more depth, but if you’re looking for vegetarian, vegetable broth is a great substitute. Homemade broth packs more flavor, but store-bought works just fine!
How Do I Get the Perfect Creamy Texture?
Getting that smooth, creamy texture is key for Caldo Verde. Here’s a simple guide:
- Cook the potatoes until soft before blending for the best consistency.
- Use an immersion blender for easy blending right in the pot, or transfer to a blender in batches if you don’t have one.
- Blend until completely smooth. If it’s too thick, you can always add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Don’t rush this step—smoothness is what makes this soup so comforting and delightful! Enjoy making your Caldo Verde; it’s a warm bowl of happiness on a chilly day!
How to Make Caldo Verde
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 6 large potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups water or chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Portuguese chorizo or linguica sausage, sliced
- 1 bunch kale or collard greens, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Crusty bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 15-20 minutes of prep time and around 40 minutes to cook. In total, you will spend about 1 hour to get this comforting Caldo Verde ready to serve. Perfect for a cozy dinner or gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion is soft and the garlic is fragrant.
2. Cook the Potatoes:
Add the peeled and sliced potatoes along with the water or chicken broth to the pot. Bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are nice and tender.
3. Blend the Soup:
Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth. Return the blended soup back to the pot.
4. Add the Greens:
Add the thinly sliced kale or collard greens to the pot. Let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the greens to wilt and soften.
5. Fry the Sausage:
In a separate skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and fry until they are browned and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes. This will add wonderful flavor to your soup!
6. Combine and Season:
Add the cooked sausage to the soup and stir everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir and let it cook for another minute or two to blend flavors.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the warm soup into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley on top and serve with crusty bread on the side. Enjoy your hearty and comforting bowl of Caldo Verde!
This traditional Portuguese soup is simple, nourishing, and absolutely delicious. Perfect for sharing with family and friends!
Can I Use a Different Type of Green Instead of Kale?
Absolutely! While traditional Caldo Verde uses kale, collard greens, or even Swiss chard can be great alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since some greens wilt faster than others.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat on the stove or microwave before serving. You may want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to refresh the texture.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian or Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian or vegan version by omitting the sausage and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You might also want to add more vegetables or beans for added protein and texture.
What Should I Serve with Caldo Verde?
Crusty bread is a classic pairing to help soak up the delicious soup! Additionally, a light salad can complement the meal well. Feel free to enjoy it with your favorite side dishes!
