Caldo Verde
Caldo verde is a Portuguese soup recipe that translates to “green soup.” This recipe originated from northern Portugal and has become a fan favorite among many. The dark green cabbage traditionally used in this Portuguese soup recipe is not widely available beyond Portugal's borders, but kale or collard greens make a good substitute.
A crusty corn bread called broa often accompanies the soup, although a good American corn bread is also nice for sopping up any bits remaining in the bowl. Don't forget the final flourish of olive oil. It will perfume the soup.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. chorizo, linguiça or kielbasa sausages
- 3/4 lb. kale or collard greens
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions, chopped
- 3 or 4 potatoes, 1 to 1 1/4 lb. total, peeled and thinly sliced
- 3 or 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 6 to 7 cups water or chicken stock
- 2 tsp. salt, plus more, to taste
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Extra-virgin olive oil for serving
Directions
Step 1. Add Sausages to Boiling Water
Bring a saucepan three-fourths full of water to a boil over high heat. Prick the sausages with a fork and add to the boiling water. Boil for about 5 minutes. Using tongs, transfer the sausages to a cutting board and, when cool enough to handle, slice them. (You may discard the sausage-flavored water or reserve it for making the soup.)
Step 2. Rinse and Drain the Greens
Rinse and drain the greens, then remove any tough stems. Working in batches, stack the leaves, roll up the stack like a cigar, and cut crosswise into very, very thin strips. Set aside.
Step 3. Add the Onions and Sauté
In a large soup pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the onions and sauté, stirring occasionally, until tender and translucent, about 10 minutes. Increase the heat to medium-high, add the potatoes and garlic and sauté, stirring often, until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Add the water and 2 tsp. salt, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer until the potatoes are very soft, about 20 minutes.
Step 4. Mash the Potatoes
Scoop out about 2 cups of the potatoes and mash well with a potato masher or fork. Return them to the pan, add the sliced sausages and simmer until the sausages are cooked through, about 5 minutes more. Add the greens, stir well and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes. Do not overcook; the greens should be bright green and slightly crunchy. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 5. Serve
To serve, ladle the soup into warmed bowls and drizzle each serving evenly with extra-virgin olive oil. Serves 6.
