Potato and kale soup, known as “caldo verde,” is a beloved staple in Portugal. This humble yet hearty dish showcases the beauty of simplicity and the rich flavors of Portuguese cuisine. The secret to its authenticity lies in the incredibly finely shredded cabbage, which can be kale, cavolo nero, or winter greens. Whether you choose to use kale or one of its counterparts, this soup embodies the essence of Portuguese comfort food.
SERVES 4
PREP 15–20 MIN
COOK 20–25 MIN
FREEZE UP TO 3 MONTHS
INGREDIENTS:
- 1lb (450g) potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 8oz (225g) curly kale, cavolo nero, or Savoy cabbage
- 4oz (110g) chorizo, skin removed and sliced
- Extra virgin olive oil, to serve
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Prepare Potato Base: In a large saucepan, combine the potato slices with the sliced garlic and finely chopped onion. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then add enough water to generously cover the ingredients. Simmer until the potatoes become tender. Once cooked, pass the potato mixture through the fine blade of a food mill or mash it to a smooth puree using a potato masher. If needed, add a little more water to achieve a soupy consistency. Return the mixture to the pan and adjust the seasoning, ensuring it has plenty of pepper.
- Shred Kale: While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the kale. Start by removing the stems, then roll up the leaves and shred them very thinly. The resulting threads of kale should be approximately 1⁄8 inch (3mm) wide.
- Add Kale and Sausage: Bring the potato soup back to a boil, then stir in the thinly shredded kale and the sliced chorizo sausage. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Ladle the Portuguese Potato and Kale Soup into individual soup bowls. Just before serving, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil into each bowl to add a luxurious touch. Savor this delightful taste of Portugal with each spoonful.
As you savor each spoonful of this Portuguese Potato and Kale Soup, let the flavors transport you to the vibrant kitchens of Portugal, where the art of simple yet soul-satisfying cuisine is celebrated. This dish, known as “caldo verde,” captures the essence of comfort food with its velvety potato base, tender kale, and the subtle smokiness of chorizo.
Garnished with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, this soup is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Portugal. Whether enjoyed as a comforting meal or a heartwarming appetizer, it embodies the warmth and tradition of Portuguese cooking. So, take a moment to savor the flavors, and let this dish be your passport to the comforting embrace of Portuguese gastronomy. Bom apetite!
