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Caldo Verde Soup with Kale and Sausage

Caldo Verde Soup with Kale and Sausage

Caldo Verde Soup with Kale and Sausage is a traditional Portuguese dish known for its comforting and hearty qualities. Featuring tender potatoes, aromatic garlic and onion, savory Portuguese sausage, and vibrant kale, this soup blends creamy and smoky flavors into a nourishing broth perfect for any season. Easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, it offers an authentic taste experience and serves well as a main course or starter.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 4 cups kale, thinly sliced

Protein and Broth

  • 200g Portuguese sausage (Chouriço or Linguica), sliced
  • 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth

Oils and Seasoning

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the base: Finely chop onions and garlic, then sauté them in olive oil over medium heat until translucent and fragrant, creating a flavorful foundation for the soup.
  2. Cook the potatoes: Add the peeled and sliced potatoes to the pot along with the broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender and easy to mash.
  3. Blend for creaminess: Carefully puree a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or standard blender in batches to achieve a creamy texture while leaving some potato chunks for a rustic feel.
  4. Add kale and sausage: Thinly slice the kale and add it to the simmering soup along with the sliced sausage. Allow the greens to soften and the sausage to infuse its smoky flavor into the broth.
  5. Season and finish: Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well and cook for a few more minutes to meld all the flavors beautifully before serving.

Notes

  • Use quality Portuguese chouriço or linguica for authentic flavor, but smoked sausage alternatives work well.
  • Slice kale thinly to avoid toughness and ensure it integrates well into the soup.
  • Do not overblend to keep some potato texture intact for a more interesting mouthfeel.
  • Simmer gently after adding kale to keep greens tender and vibrant.
  • Adjust broth quantity to preference for thicker or lighter soup consistency.
  • Variations include vegetarian versions using smoked paprika and mushrooms, adding cream or Greek yogurt for richness, or swapping kale with spinach or Swiss chard.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caldo Verde, Portuguese soup, kale soup, sausage soup, gluten free, comforting soup, potato soup