Easy Caldo Verde Recipe (Portuguese Soup with Greens)
Cozy Up with Caldo Verde: A Traditional Portuguese Green Soup
Looking for a hearty and flavorful soup to warm you up? Look no further than Caldo Verde, a classic Portuguese green soup that’s surprisingly simple to make! This vibrant soup, traditionally featuring thinly sliced collard greens, potatoes, and smoky chorizo, is a staple in Portuguese cuisine and is perfect for a comforting dinner.
Caldo Verde translates to “green broth,” and the color truly reflects the fresh, wholesome ingredients. While many variations exist, the core elements remain consistent: a smooth potato base, flavorful broth, and, of course, plenty of greens. The addition of chorizo adds a delightful smoky depth that elevates this soup from simple to spectacular.
What makes Caldo Verde so special?
Beyond its delicious taste, Caldo Verde is a wonderfully versatile dish. It’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be adapted to suit dietary preferences. It’s also a fantastic way to get your greens in! The soup’s creamy texture and rich flavor make it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Tips for the Perfect Caldo Verde:
- Collard Greens are Key: Authentic Caldo Verde relies on collard greens. Be sure to slice them very thinly – this ensures they cook down beautifully and integrate seamlessly into the soup.
- Potato Choice: Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds work best for creating a creamy, smooth base.
- Chorizo Matters: Use a good quality Portuguese chorizo for the most authentic flavor. Smoked chorizo adds a wonderful depth.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil: Gentle simmering allows the flavors to meld together without making the greens bitter.
Serving Suggestions:
Caldo Verde is often served as a starter, but it’s hearty enough to be a satisfying main course. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika add a lovely finishing touch. Crusty bread for dipping is highly recommended!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use kale instead of collard greens? While collard greens are traditional, kale can be substituted. Keep in mind that kale has a slightly different texture and flavor.
- Is Caldo Verde spicy? It’s generally not spicy, but you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
- Can I make Caldo Verde ahead of time? Yes! The flavors actually develop even more overnight. Just reheat gently before serving.
- Is Caldo Verde vegetarian/vegan? To make it vegetarian, omit the chorizo. To make it vegan, omit the chorizo and ensure your broth is vegetable-based.
- How do I store leftover Caldo Verde? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Caldo Verde (Portuguese Green Soup)
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Potatoes
- 6 cups Water
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 bay leaf Bay Leaf
- 1 lb Collard Greens Thinly sliced
- 1 onion Onion Chopped
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/2 lb Chorizo Sliced
Instructions
- Boil potatoes in salted water with bay leaf until tender (about 20 minutes). Discard bay leaf.
- Puree potatoes until smooth. Return to pot.
- Add 6-7 cups of water to the pureed potatoes, stirring constantly. Bring to a simmer.
- In a separate pan, sauté onion in olive oil until softened. Add chorizo and cook until browned.
- Add sautéed onion and chorizo to the potato soup.
- Add collard greens to the soup and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until tender.
- Season with salt to taste.
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