Vegetarian Caldo Verde with Smoked Paprika

Vegetarian Caldo Verde with Smoked Paprika

Classic DishCaldo Verde

Prep: 20 min • Cook: 30 min. A flavorful vegetarian version of Caldo Verde, where smoked paprika adds depth and a rich, smoky character, complemented by crusty bread for dipping. This hearty soup is a comforting classic, reimagined.

Preparation time
20 min
Cooking time
30 min
Total time
50 min
Servings
6

Instructions

Soup Base

  1. 1Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. 2Add the minced garlic and smoked paprika to the pot. Cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. 3Add the chopped potatoes and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender.

Puree and Finish

  1. 1Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender (be cautious with hot liquids) and process until smooth, then return to the pot.
  2. 2Stir in the thinly sliced kale. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the kale is tender but still vibrant green.
  3. 3Season the soup generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Serving

  1. 1Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
  2. 2Drizzle with a little extra olive oil and serve immediately with toasted crusty bread on the side for dipping.

Nutrition Information

Calories
251 kcal
Protein
8 g
Fat
10 g
Carbs
36 g
NutrientPer serving
Calories251 kcal
Protein8 g
Fat10 g
Carbs36 g

Tips

  • Slice the kale very thinly to ensure it cooks quickly and evenly in the soup.
  • Adjust the amount of smoked paprika to your preference for a smokier or milder flavor profile.
  • Toasted or grilled bread drizzled with olive oil makes for a perfect accompaniment to soak up the delicious broth.

By Chef Michael Ilin