Caldo Verde, which translates to “green broth,” is a classic Portuguese soup known for its simplicity and heartiness. It’s a comforting dish typically made with potatoes, thinly sliced collard greens or kale, onions, and garlic. Chouriço or linguiça (Portuguese sausages) are often added for extra flavor, making it a beloved staple during Portuguese gatherings and celebrations. This soup is especially popular in the winter but can be enjoyed year-round.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 500 grams of potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 200 grams of collard greens or kale, very thinly sliced
- 150 grams of chouriço or linguiça sausage, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Appliances and Special Utensils:
Recipe:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Wash and thinly slice the potatoes.
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Wash the greens and slice them as thinly as possible (a technique called “chiffonade”).
- Cook the Soup Base:
- In a Large Pot for boiling, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions become translucent.
- Add the thinly sliced potatoes and the broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook until the potatoes are very tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Blend the Soup:
- Once the potatoes are tender, use an Immersion Blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. (Alternatively, you can mash the potatoes with a Potato Masher for a more rustic texture.)
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the Greens and Sausage:
- Add the thinly sliced greens and chouriço to the pot.
- Continue to simmer the soup until the greens are tender and the sausage is heated through, about 5-10 minutes.
- Final Seasoning:
- Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and drizzle a little olive oil over each serving if desired.
- Serve hot, ideally with crusty bread on the side for dipping.
This traditional Portuguese soup is not only delicious but also a comforting meal, perfect for any time of the year but especially warming during colder months.