Hearty Portuguese Kale and Chorizo Soup
This flavorful Portuguese Kale and Chorizo Soup, also known as Caldo Verde, is a vibrant and comforting dish ideal for gatherings or a cozy night in. With its rich broth, tender potatoes, and the spiciness of chorizo sausage complemented by the earthy goodness of kale, this soup will warm you from the inside out. Perfect as a main course, it's nutritious and satisfying, making it an ideal choice for any season. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal that everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
4 tablespoons (divided)
onion
1 (minced)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
potatoes
6 (peeled and thinly sliced)
cold water
2 quarts (none)
chorizo sausage
1/2 lb (thinly sliced)
salt
2 teaspoons (none)
ground black pepper
to taste (none)
kale
1 lb (rinsed and thin cut or julienne)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan over medium heat, add 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté the minced onion and garlic until they are soft and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes.
2
Next, add the peeled and thinly sliced potatoes to the pot and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent them from sticking.
3
Pour in 2 quarts of cold water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender.
4
While the potatoes are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced chorizo sausage and cook until it releases most of its fat, about 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the sausage and set aside.
5
Once the potatoes are mushy, you can either mash them with a potato masher or blend the mixture in a blender for a smoother texture.
6
Return the pureed potato mixture to medium heat. Stir in the cooked chorizo, salt, and ground black pepper to taste. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7
Just before serving, stir in the rinsed and finely cut kale. Allow the soup to simmer for a few minutes until the kale becomes tender and its vibrant green color is showcased.
8
Finally, stir in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil for an added depth of flavor, and serve immediately, garnished with extra chorizo if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caldo Verde?
Caldo Verde is a traditional Portuguese kale and potato soup known for its vibrant color and comforting flavors.
What are the primary ingredients in this soup?
The main ingredients include kale, chorizo sausage, potatoes, onion, garlic, and olive oil.
How many potatoes are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 potatoes, which should be peeled and thinly sliced.
How much kale is used in the soup?
One pound of kale is used, and it should be rinsed and finely cut or julienned.
What kind of sausage is recommended?
Chorizo sausage is recommended to provide the traditional spiciness and flavor of Portuguese cuisine.
Why are the potatoes mashed or blended?
The potatoes are mashed or blended to create a smooth, thick, and creamy base for the soup.
How much water is needed for the broth?
The recipe requires 2 quarts of cold water.
How much olive oil is used in total?
A total of 4 tablespoons of olive oil are used, divided between sautéing and finishing the soup.
When do I add the kale?
The kale is added just before serving and simmered for only a few minutes to keep its vibrant green color.
How long should I cook the chorizo?
The chorizo should be cooked in a separate skillet for about 10 minutes until it releases most of its fat.
Should the chorizo fat be included in the soup?
No, the instructions specify to drain the sausage before adding it to the potato mixture.
How long do the potatoes need to boil?
The potatoes should simmer for about 20 minutes or until they are very tender.
Do I need to cover the pot while boiling potatoes?
The recipe suggests allowing the potatoes to cook uncovered.
What is the first step in making this soup?
The first step is sautéing minced onion and garlic in 3 tablespoons of olive oil until soft.
How much garlic is used?
One clove of garlic, minced, is used in this recipe.
Is the soup spicy?
The soup has a mild spiciness depending on the variety of chorizo sausage used.
How long do the flavors meld after adding chorizo?
The soup should simmer for about 5 minutes covered after the chorizo, salt, and pepper are added.
What is the final touch before serving?
Stir in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil for added depth of flavor.
Can I garnish the soup?
Yes, you can garnish with extra chorizo if desired.
What should I serve with Caldo Verde?
It is best served with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
How much salt is added?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of salt, or to taste.
How should the onions be prepared?
The onions should be minced for a fine texture that blends well with the garlic.
Can I use a potato masher?
Yes, you can use a potato masher for a more rustic texture or a blender for a smoother soup.
What temperature should the chorizo be cooked at?
The chorizo should be cooked over medium-low heat.
Is this soup considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as nutritious and healthy due to the inclusion of kale and fresh vegetables.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total.
Is black pepper included in the recipe?
Yes, ground black pepper is added to taste.
Does the soup use chicken or beef broth?
No, it uses 2 quarts of cold water as the base, allowing the chorizo and vegetables to flavor the broth.
How should the kale be cut?
The kale should be finely cut or julienned.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a hearty vegetable and meat soup, specifically a Portuguese classic.