Quick Caldo Verde Soup

Classic DishCaldo Verde

Prep: 10 min • Cook: 20 min. Expedite your weeknight meals with this flavorful rendition of the beloved Portuguese Caldo Verde soup. Utilizing pre-shredded kale and quick-cooking potatoes, this recipe delivers a hearty and comforting bowl in under 30 minutes, capturing the essence of traditional Portuguese cuisine with modern speed.

Preparation time
10 min
Cooking time
20 min
Total time
30 min
Servings
4

Instructions

Soup Base

  1. 1In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. 2Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. 3Add the cubed potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 10-12 minutes.

Blending and Finishing

  1. 1Once the potatoes are tender, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup until it reaches a slightly thickened consistency. Alternatively, carefully transfer about half of the soup to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.
  2. 2Stir in the thinly sliced kale and the sliced linguica or chouriço sausage. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the kale is wilted and the sausage is heated through.
  3. 3Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Nutrition Information

Calories
350 kcal
Protein
18 g
Fat
20 g
Carbs
25 g
NutrientPer serving
Calories350 kcal
Protein18 g
Fat20 g
Carbs25 g

Tips

  • Thinly slicing the kale is key to its quick cooking; use a sharp knife or a mandoline for uniformity.
  • Don't over-blend the soup; some potato texture remaining adds to its rustic charm and heartiness.
  • Serve with a drizzle of good quality olive oil and crusty bread for a complete and authentic Portuguese experience.

By Chef Michael Ilin