Caldo Verde is a warm, comforting soup from Portugal, filled with cozy flavors. It features potatoes, onions, and the star ingredient—green kale, all whipped together for a delicious bowl!
This soup is so simple to make and perfect for chilly nights. I love enjoying it with crusty bread. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl. Who can resist that? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is key for flavor. I often use extra virgin olive oil for added richness. If you prefer a lighter taste, you can substitute with avocado oil or even use a mix of butter and oil.
Onion: A medium onion brings sweetness to the soup. If you’re sensitive to onions, shallots or leeks are great substitutes, adding a similar flavor.
Potatoes: The creamy texture comes from starchy potatoes. Yukon golds are my favorite for this recipe, but Russets work well too. For a low-carb swap, try cauliflower instead!
Kale or Collard Greens: These greens add color and nutrition. If you can’t find them, spinach is a good substitute. Just add it toward the end, as it cooks faster.
Chouriço or Linguiça: These sausages pack a flavor punch. If you want to keep it vegetarian, skip the sausage and add more vegetables or use smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.
How Can I Make My Caldo Verde Creamier?
To achieve that creamy, smooth texture in Caldo Verde, blending the potatoes is crucial. Here’s how to do it right:
- After boiling, let the potato mixture cool slightly to avoid hot splashes when blending.
- Using an immersion blender is easiest—blend right in the pot. If using a regular blender, fill it halfway to prevent overflow.
- Puree until smooth—this is what gives Caldo Verde its signature velvety texture!
Blend in batches if needed, and don’t forget to return the soup to the pot to finish cooking with the greens.
Delicious Caldo Verde Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 6 cups water (or chicken broth for more flavor)
- Salt to taste
- 8 ounces kale or collard greens, thinly sliced
- 6 ounces chouriço or linguiça sausage, sliced thinly
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting Caldo Verde takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40 minutes to cook, making it a great choice for both busy weeknights and leisurely weekends. In total, you’re looking at around 55 minutes from start to delicious finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, which will take about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Watch carefully so it doesn’t burn; we want it fragrant and soft!
2. Cook the Potatoes:
Next, add the sliced potatoes to the pot and pour in the water or chicken broth for extra flavor. Bring it all to a boil, and then reduce the heat. Let it simmer until the potatoes are very soft—this should take around 20 minutes.
3. Blend Until Smooth:
Once the potatoes are nice and soft, it’s time to blend! You can use an immersion blender for convenience, or carefully transfer the mixture to a regular blender. Blend it until it’s smooth and creamy, which will give your soup that wonderful texture.
4. Adjust Seasoning:
If you blended the soup in a regular blender, return it to the pot. Taste your soup and season with salt to your liking, ensuring it’s just right!
5. Add the Greens:
Add in the sliced kale or collard greens. Simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes until the greens are tender but still bright and vibrant in color. This adds a beautiful touch to your soup!
6. Cook the Sausage:
In a small skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chouriço or linguiça sausage, cooking until it’s slightly crispy and aromatic. This will add a delicious flavor boost to your soup!
7. Combine and Serve:
Once the sausage is ready, add it to the pot with the soup and stir to combine all those lovely flavors. Serve your Caldo Verde hot, drizzled with a bit more olive oil if you’d like, and don’t forget a slice of crusty bread on the side for dipping!
Enjoy your authentic, warming Caldo Verde—a classic Portuguese green soup perfect for sharing!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for alternatives, smoked sausage or kielbasa work well. For a vegetarian version, you can skip the sausage completely or use a plant-based sausage to keep the flavors intact.
How Can I Make Caldo Verde Vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also enhance the flavor with smoked paprika or some nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste!
Can I Freeze Leftover Caldo Verde?
Yes, you can freeze Caldo Verde! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it on the stove.
What Can I Serve with Caldo Verde?
This soup is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, cornbread, or even a simple green salad. You can also sprinkle some cheese on top for added flavor!
