Portuguese Kale Soup (Caldo Verde)
This Portuguese Kale Soup (Caldo Verde) blends smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and fresh kale in a comforting broth that’s ready in just over 30 minutes — simple, rustic, and full of rich flavor.
6 Servings
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 8 ounces Spanish chorizo or smoked sausage sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 pounds russet potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 bunch lacinato Tuscan kale, stems removed and leaves thinly sliced
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Cook the sausage:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage slices and cook until browned, about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the sausage using a slotted spoon and transfer to a bowl.
Sauté the aromatics:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Simmer the potatoes:
- Add the potatoes, chicken broth, and water to the pot. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Mash to thicken:
- Remove half of the cooked potatoes from the pot and place them in a bowl. Using a fork or masher, mash the potatoes lightly until smooth, then return them to the pot. Stir to combine — this step gives the soup its naturally creamy texture.
Add kale and sausage:
- Return the browned sausage to the pot along with the kale. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, or until the kale is wilted and tender. Season with salt to taste.
Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and drizzle with a little olive oil if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread.
Notes
To make this Portuguese Kale Soup (Caldo Verde) gluten-free, ensure that your sausage is labeled gluten-free, as some smoked or cured varieties may contain additives with gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Serve with gluten-free bread or omit bread altogether for a fully gluten-free meal.