In the realm of hearty and comforting soups, Caldo Verde, the iconic Portuguese kale soup, stands as a culinary masterpiece. Originating from the northern regions of Portugal, this traditional dish has captivated hearts and taste buds for generations. Its name, meaning "green broth" in Portuguese, aptly reflects the vibrant hue imparted by the generous amounts of kale or collard greens it incorporates.
This flavorful soup is not only a celebration of Portuguese heritage but also a testament to the country's rich agricultural bounty. The recipes featured in this article offer a diverse range of Caldo Verde variations, each showcasing unique ingredients and culinary techniques that have been passed down through generations. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, these recipes cater to various skill levels and dietary preferences. From the classic Caldo Verde, featuring tender kale, flavorful sausage, and creamy potatoes, to the vegetarian version that highlights the goodness of hearty vegetables, this article has something for every palate. So, embark on a culinary journey through Portugal with these authentic and delectable Caldo Verde recipes, and experience the warmth and comfort of this beloved soup.
SKINNY PORTUGUESE KALE AND POTATO SOUP (CALDO VERDE)
Make and share this Skinny Portuguese Kale and Potato Soup (Caldo Verde) recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Kate DeMello
Categories Portuguese
Time 45m
Yield 8 1 cup servings, 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a large pot, cook chourico or sausage over low heat. Turn and cook until brown, about 10 minutes. Remove from pot and let cool. Cut sausage into slices. Remove any fat from pot, but leave the cooked on bits.
- Add oil to pot, add onion and cook on medium until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. As you stir, scrape up the bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add broth potatoes, and black pepper, bring to a boil and cook 20 minutes. Remove the pot from heat and either lightly mash the potatoes with a potato masher or food processor, or I like to use my immersion blender to puree the entire mixture.
- Add chourico or sausage, red pepper flakes and bring back to a simmer. Cook covered for about 4 minutes. Add kale and bring back to a simmer. Cook partially covered until the kale is cooked. Adjust salt if needed.
CALDO VERDE (PORTUGUESE KALE SOUP)
The simple kale and sausage soup is something I grew up on. We simply just called it Portuguese soup, even though that is really non-specific. In fact the Portuguese culture has a great variety of soups and stews in the mix. The kale soup I grew up on featured chouriço (pronounced: sir-reese); the Portuguese version of the...
Provided by Maggie May Schill
Categories Other Main Dishes
Time 6h30m
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- 1. 1-In a small sauce pan bring your navy beans to a boil in 6 cups of water. Once it hits a boil, let sit off of heat in the water for 1 hour. 2-Drain from water and set navy beans aside. 3-In a large dutch oven or cooking pot, add light oil and heat through on medium high. 4-Once oil is at smoking temperature add linguica and chourico. Brown them on all sides with the pan covered. 5-Once sausages are browned completely, remove from heat and de-glaze your pan with the drippings left behind from the sausages. Set sausages aside. 6-Add your garlic and onions to the pan. Cook with pan covered. 7-Once garlic and onion are translucent, add in your broth. 8-Add bay leafs to broth. Simmer for 30 minutes. Bring to a boil and add your navy beans. Bring back to simmer for 1 hour. 9-Add salt, pepper, marjoram, red pepper flakes, and paprika. Continue to simmer for another half hour. 10-Add warm water. 11-Add kale to your broth and simmer for 2 hours. 12-Slice your sausages up into half inch pieces. Add them to the soup. 13-Add potatoes to the soup. Continue to simmer until potatoes are tender and kale is wilted completely. This could take another 1 or 2 hours. 14-Lower heat and let soup sit on low for about an hour before serving. (Letting it come down from simmer slow like this before serving really brings all the flavors out and lets them develop nice.)
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your soup.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of greens. Kale is the traditional green for caldo verde, but you can also use collard greens, turnip greens, or even spinach.
- Add a little bit of spice to your soup. A pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika will give it a nice kick.
- Serve caldo verde with a side of crusty bread or cornbread. This will help to soak up all of the delicious broth.
Conclusion:
Caldo verde is a delicious and hearty soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you are looking for a comforting and flavorful soup, give caldo verde a try. You won't be disappointed.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love