Caldo Verde Soup with Kale and Sausage
A warm and hearty traditional Portuguese Caldo Verde Soup made with creamy potatoes, vibrant kale, and savory smoked sausage. This comforting soup is quick to prepare, packed with nutrition, and perfect for cozy days or family meals.
- Author: James
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Portuguese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 3 large Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 lb fresh curly kale, thinly sliced (stems removed)
Meats & Proteins
- 6 oz Portuguese chouriço or smoked sausage, sliced thin
Oils & Seasonings
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Prepare and Sauté Aromatics: Finely chop the onion and garlic. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onions until translucent, then add garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, building the soup’s flavor base.
- Cook the Potatoes: Add the peeled and diced potatoes to the pot along with the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Blend the Soup Base: Use an immersion blender to puree the potatoes and broth until smooth and creamy. If you lack an immersion blender, blend in batches using a regular blender to achieve a luscious texture.
- Add the Sausage: Slice the sausage into thin rounds and add it to the pot. Simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the sausage to infuse the broth with smoky, savory flavors.
- Incorporate the Kale: Remove tough stems and thinly slice the kale leaves. Add the kale to the soup and simmer for another 5 minutes until the kale is tender yet retains its bright green color.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Drizzle with extra olive oil if desired and serve hot for a soul-warming meal.
Notes
- Choose authentic Portuguese chouriço or smoky Kielbasa for best flavor.
- Add kale at the end to maintain its vibrant color and fresh texture.
- Blend the potatoes smoothly but keep sausage and kale pieces visible for texture contrast.
- Use fresh kale and high-quality broth for a superior taste.
- Finish with a drizzle of good olive oil to boost richness and aroma.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Caldo Verde, Portuguese Soup, Kale Soup, Sausage Soup, Comfort Food, Gluten-Free, Easy Soup