Description
Portuguese Caldo Verde is a traditional and comforting soup made with potatoes, collard greens, and chorizo. Simple yet full of flavor, it’s a hearty dish commonly enjoyed across Portugal, perfect as a starter or a light main meal on cooler days.
Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
- 6 cups water or chicken broth
- 200g Portuguese chorizo or smoked sausage, sliced
- 2 cups finely sliced collard greens (or kale)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Add the chopped potatoes and cover with water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15–20 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth (or transfer to a blender in batches).
- Add the sliced sausage and collard greens to the pot. Simmer for 5–10 more minutes, or until the greens are tender and the sausage is heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil before serving.
Notes
- Traditional Caldo Verde uses Portuguese chouriço, but any smoked sausage can be used as a substitute.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth.
- Slice the greens very thinly for authentic texture.
- Letting the soup rest for a few hours enhances the flavor.
- Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Portuguese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
