In the realm of Portuguese cuisine, Caldo Verde reigns supreme, a comforting and flavorful soup that embodies the essence of simplicity and rustic charm. This classic dish, often associated with the northern region of Portugal, particularly Minho and Trás-os-Montes, has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide. Caldo Verde's humble origins as a peasant dish have elevated it to a national treasure, celebrated in homes, restaurants, and festivals across the country. Its vibrant green hue, derived from fresh kale or collard greens, serves as a visual testament to its wholesome ingredients. While the traditional Caldo Verde recipe forms the core of this culinary journey, variations exist, each offering a unique twist on this beloved soup. From the smoky depth of chorizo to the delicate sweetness of sweet potatoes, these variations cater to diverse palates and preferences. Embark on this culinary adventure to discover the secrets of crafting a perfect Caldo Verde, exploring its variations, and immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage it represents.
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CALDO VERDE (PORTUGUESE GREEN SOUP)
This soup is a Portuguese favorite of mine. It is a creamy soup with the wonderful use of kale, giving it the green soup look. Enjoy it with a thick slice from your favorite loaf of bread!
Provided by SANDRA5
Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Soup Recipes
Time 1h
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook onion and garlic in 3 tablespoons olive oil for 3 minutes. Stir in potatoes and cook, stirring constantly, 3 minutes more. Pour in water, bring to a boil, and let boil gently for 20 minutes, until potatoes are mushy.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-low heat, cook sausage until it has released most of its fat, 10 minutes. Drain.
- Mash potatoes or puree the potato mixture with a blender or food processor. Stir the sausage, salt and pepper into the soup and return to medium heat. Cover and simmer 5 minutes.
- Just before serving, stir kale into soup and simmer, 5 minutes, until kale is tender and jade green. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and serve at once.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 401.8 calories, Carbohydrate 45.2 g, Cholesterol 24.6 mg, Fat 20.2 g, Fiber 5.2 g, Protein 11.7 g, SaturatedFat 5.4 g, Sodium 1352 mg, Sugar 3.4 g
CALDO VERDE (PORTUGUESE SAUSAGE KALE SOUP)
This soup is so hearty and comforting, you'll almost forget how good it is for you. And it's perfect for cold weather with the spicy sausage, kale, potatoes, and plenty of chicken broth.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Soup Recipes
Time 1h20m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Slice sausage into 1/4-inch rounds. Heat oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Add sausage and saute until sausage begins to turn brown and renders some fat, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a dish. Reduce heat to medium-low; add onions and pinch of salt salt. Stir and cook until softened, 4 to 5 minutes.
- Transfer potatoes to pot. Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons salt. Pour in chicken broth. Increase heat to high and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer until potatoes are tender, 8 to 10 minutes.
- When potatoes are tender, carefully mash them in the broth with a potato masher until broken up or completely mashed. Add kale, a handful at a time. Transfer browned sausage to soup. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until greens are tender, about 45 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 564.8 calories, Carbohydrate 62.1 g, Cholesterol 55.9 mg, Fat 25.6 g, Fiber 6.6 g, Protein 25.1 g, SaturatedFat 8.6 g, Sodium 2850.6 mg, Sugar 4.3 g
CALDO VERDE
Provided by Food Network
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the chorizo and onions. Season with salt and pepper. Saute for 2 minutes. Add the garlic, parsley, and potatoes. Cook for 2 minutes. Add the peas, stock and kale and bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the bay leaves, thyme and crushed red pepper. Reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are fork tender, about 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and skim off any fat that has risen to the surface. Serve the soup in large bowl and garnish with the mint.
CALDO VERDE
Provided by Food Network
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Take whatever greens you are using and stack several leaves on top of each other. Starting at the wide side, roll the stack up into a tight cylinder. Slice across the cylinder with a very sharp knife to make thin, hairlike shreds. Repeat with remaining leaves. Set aside shredded greens.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large kettle over medium high heat. Add sausage slices and fry until lightly colored and fat is rendered, about 10 minutes. Remove from pot with slotted spoon and reserve. Add remaining tablespoon oil to pot, then add onions and salt and pepper. Stir well, then cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are softened, 5 minutes. Add the garlic, stir, and cook one minute until its aroma is released. Add the potatoes, turn the heat to medium high, and saute 3 to 5 minutes until onions and potatoes begin to color. Add the water, cover, and simmer over low heat until potatoes can be mashed easily against side of pot with a wooden spoon, about 25 minutes. When potatoes are soft, turn off the heat and use a potato masher to thoroughly crush and blend. Add the sausage, turn the heat on to medium, and simmer 5 minutes to bring the flavors together. Stir in the greens and cook 5 minutes until bright green and tender. Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve.
- This soup, literally Green Soup, could be called the national dish of Portugal. It is traditionally made with a type of flat green cabbage called couve gallego.
- The method of slicing leaves like this is called a chiffonade in the French lexicon. Important to get them thin enough that they will cook quickly.
Tips:
- Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- Don't be afraid to add more garlic if you like.
- Use a good quality caldo verde sausage. You can find it at most Portuguese markets.
- If you can't find caldo verde sausage, you can use a mild Italian sausage.
- Use fresh collard greens for the best flavor and texture.
- If you don't have collard greens, you can use kale or spinach.
- Add the potatoes and broth to the pot first, and then add the greens. This will help the greens cook evenly.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the soup hot with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
Conclusion:
Caldo verde is a delicious and hearty Portuguese soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is made with a variety of vegetables, sausage, and caldo verde sausage. The soup is simple to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its rich flavor and hearty ingredients, caldo verde is sure to become a favorite in your home.
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