Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Spinach and Kielbasa Soup?
Savory Spinach and Kielbasa Soup is a hearty and warming dish inspired by traditional Portuguese Caldo Verde, utilizing turkey kielbasa and thawed spinach for a nutritious twist.
What are the main ingredients in this soup?
The main ingredients include olive oil, yellow onion, garlic, chicken broth, potatoes, frozen chopped spinach, turkey kielbasa, salt, and black pepper.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 6 servings.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 60 calories.
What type of kielbasa is recommended?
The recipe specifies 6 ounces of sliced turkey kielbasa for a leaner protein option.
How do I thicken the soup without a blender?
You can thicken the soup by using a potato masher or a large spoon to slightly mash the potatoes directly in the broth after they have simmered.
Can I substitute the olive oil?
Yes, you can use vegetable oil as a substitute for olive oil if preferred.
How long should the potatoes simmer?
The potatoes should be simmered in the chicken broth for 30 minutes until they are very soft.
Is this recipe similar to Caldo Verde?
Yes, it is a variation of Portuguese Caldo Verde that uses spinach instead of kale and turkey kielbasa instead of traditional pork sausage.
What is the preparation for the spinach?
You should use one 10-ounce package of frozen chopped spinach that has been thawed.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 2.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each serving contains 7.5 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 2.5 grams of protein in each serving.
How much chicken broth is needed?
The recipe requires 3 1/2 cups of low sodium chicken broth.
How long do I sautรฉ the onions and garlic?
Sautรฉ the finely chopped onion and minced garlic for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
When do I add the kielbasa and spinach?
Add the sliced turkey kielbasa and thawed spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Should the soup be covered while simmering?
The pot should be covered while the potatoes simmer for 30 minutes, but uncovered for the final 5 minutes after adding the meat and greens.
What size should the potatoes be chopped?
The recipe calls for 3 medium potatoes to be peeled and chopped.
What are the primary seasonings?
The soup is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Is this soup considered a side dish or a main meal?
It can be served as either a hearty side dish or a light, warming meal.
Can I use fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal, taking about 40 minutes of total cook time.
Are there any tips for making it healthier?
The recipe already uses low sodium broth and turkey kielbasa to keep it leaner and lower in salt.
How do I prepare the yellow onion?
One large yellow onion should be finely chopped before sautรฉing.
Does the recipe contain fiber information?
The provided nutritional data does not list a specific amount for fiber.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include soup, caldo verde, spinach, kielbasa, comfort food, hearty, healthy, turkey sausage, and potato soup.
Can I use fresh spinach?
While the recipe specifies frozen thawed spinach, fresh spinach can be used, though it may need to be chopped and will wilt quickly.
What is the consistency of the soup?
By mashing the potatoes, the soup achieves a creamy consistency despite not using dairy.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The nutritional information indicates that there is no sugar recorded for this dish.
How much salt is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of salt, which works well with the low sodium broth.