Cookwith

Name: Portuguese Caldo Verde (Green Soup)
Prep time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 6 oz chouriço or smoked sausage, thinly sliced; 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced (about 1 lb); 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 2 cups water; 6 oz fresh kale or collard greens, stems removed, thinly sliced into ribbons; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Lemon wedges, for serving (optional); Crusty bread, for serving (optional)

Portuguese Caldo Verde (Green Soup)

RoastedPepper6222

Caldo Verde, or Portuguese Green Soup, is the soul-warming comfort food of Portugal. This version layers the smoky richness of chouriço or smoked sausage with creamy Yukon Gold potatoes and tender ribbons of kale. Mashing some of the potatoes creates a hearty, creamy base while leaving bits for rustic charm. The greens add vibrant color and earthy flavor, while a squeeze of lemon at the table brings a bright, modern touch. Serve with crusty bread for dipping, and savor the heart of Portuguese home cooking.

Ingredients

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
Add chouriço slices and cook for another 2-3 minutes to render some fat and infuse flavor.
Stir in the diced potatoes, chicken broth, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until potatoes are very tender, about 15 minutes.
Using a potato masher, roughly mash some of the potatoes in the pot to create a creamy, rustic texture while leaving some chunks.
Add the sliced kale or collard greens to the pot. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, until greens are silky but still bright green.
Season soup generously with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Ladle into bowls with plenty of sausage and greens in each serving. Serve hot, with lemon wedges for a fresh lift and crusty bread on the side if desired.