This Portuguese kale soup, also known as Caldo Verde, is a traditional dish from Portugal, loaded with flavor from the Portuguese sausage, kale, and beans. It's hearty, wholesome and perfect for those chilly evenings.
The key ingredient in this soup is the Portuguese sausage, also known as chouriço or linguiça, which is a smoked sausage made with pork, paprika, and other seasonings. If you can't find it in your local supermarket, you could replace it with Spanish chorizo or even smoked sausage. The other unique ingredient is kale - ensure to choose fresh, green bunches for this recipe.
Ingredients for Portuguese Kale Soup
Portuguese sausage: This is a smoked pork sausage, spicy and full of flavor, which forms the base of the soup.
Chicken broth: Adds depth and richness to the soup.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the sausage and vegetables.
Yellow onion: Adds a sweet, caramelized flavor.
Garlic: Adds a kick of flavor.
Potatoes: Helps to thicken the soup and makes it hearty.
Kidney beans: Adds protein and texture to the soup.
Navy beans: Another source of protein, these beans have a mild flavor that blends well with the other ingredients.
Kale: A nutritious leafy green that adds color and fiber to the soup.
Bay leaves: Adds a subtle, herbal flavor to the soup.
Salt and pepper: For seasoning.
One reader, Andras Roe says:
This Portuguese kale soup recipe is a game-changer! The combination of savory Portuguese sausage, hearty beans, and nutritious kale creates a comforting and flavorful soup. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and wholesome meal.
Cooking Techniques for Portuguese Kale Soup Recipe
Saute the sausage: Cook the sausage in a large soup pot with olive oil over medium heat until it browns and becomes fragrant. Set the cooked sausage aside.
Saute the onions and garlic: In the same pot, add more olive oil and saute the onions until they become translucent. Then, add the garlic and the cooked sausage to combine.
Simmer the soup: After adding the chicken broth, potatoes, kidney beans, navy beans, and bay leaves, let the soup simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
Cook the kale: Add the shredded kale to the soup and cook it down. If desired, add water to create more broth. Let the soup simmer for 30 to 40 minutes until all the flavors are combined.
Serve the soup: Discard the bay leaves and serve the Portuguese kale soup with crusty bread and butter.
How To Make Portuguese Kale Soup
This Portuguese kale soup or also known as Caldo Verde is a traditional soup made with potatoes, chorizo sausage, and thinly sliced kale. It is a hearty meal you can make on cold days.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbPortuguese sausagecut off casing and cut into half-moons, or purchase ground
- 4cupschicken broth
- 2TbspEVOOfor sautéing
- 1yellow onionchopped
- 2clovesgarlicfresh minced
- 2 waxy potatoeschopped into 1 (2.54 cm) in cubes
- 1can light red kidney drained
- 1can navy beansdrained
- 2buncheskalestems removed and torn into smaller pieces
- 2bay leaves
- salt and pepperto taste
- 2bay leaves
Instructions
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In a large soup pot in olive oil, saute the sausage on medium heat until browning and fragrant. Set meat aside.
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In the same pot, refresh olive oil and add in onions and saute until translucent. Once cooked, add in garlic and add the sausage in to combine.
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Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and add in potatoes.
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Add kidney beans, navy beans, and bay leaves. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
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Finally, add in shredded kale, cook down, and add water to create more broth if desired. Simmer for 30 to 40 minutes until completely combined.
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Discard bay leaves.
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Serve with crusty bread and butter.
Nutrition
- Calories: 453.87kcal
- Fat: 26.23g
- Saturated Fat: 7.08g
- Trans Fat: 0.08g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11.76g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.62g
- Carbohydrates: 32.32g
- Fiber: 7.38g
- Sugar: 5.88g
- Protein: 25.14g
- Cholesterol: 57.72mg
- Sodium: 1181.92mg
- Calcium: 165.28mg
- Potassium: 1017.84mg
- Iron: 3.98mg
- Vitamin A: 358.58µg
- Vitamin C: 83.33mg
Technique Tip for Portuguese Kale Soup Recipe
When preparing the kale, make sure to remove the tough stems and only use the leaves. The stems can be quite fibrous and tough, even after prolonged cooking. By using only the leaves, you ensure a more tender and enjoyable texture in your Portuguese kale soup. Additionally, adding the kale towards the end of the cooking process helps to retain its vibrant green color and nutritional value. Overcooking can lead to a dull color and loss of nutrients.
Time-Saving Tips for Portuguese Kale Soup Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and prepare the sausage and beans in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use pre-washed kale: Opt for pre-washed and chopped kale to save time on cleaning and prepping the greens.
One-pot wonder: Consider using a pressure cooker or slow cooker to simplify the cooking process and minimize cleanup.
Frozen veggies: Utilize frozen diced onions and pre-chopped garlic to cut down on prep time without sacrificing flavor.
Canned beans: Save time by using canned beans instead of cooking them from scratch. Rinse and drain before adding to the soup.
Quick broth: If pressed for time, use store-bought chicken broth instead of making it from scratch.
Substitute Ingredients For Portuguese Kale Soup Recipe
Portuguese sausage - Substitute with linguiça: Linguica is a Portuguese sausage that can be used as a substitute for Portuguese sausage, providing a similar flavor and texture to the dish.
Chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth to make the soup vegetarian-friendly while still adding depth of flavor.
EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil can be used as a substitute for EVOO, providing a mild flavor and high smoke point for sautéing and cooking.
Yellow onion - Substitute with white onion: White onions can be used as a substitute for yellow onions, providing a slightly milder flavor while still adding aromatic depth to the soup.
Garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can be used as a substitute for garlic, providing a similar aromatic flavor with a hint of sweetness.
Waxy potatoes - Substitute with Yukon Gold potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes can be used as a substitute for waxy potatoes, providing a creamy texture and rich flavor to the soup.
Light red kidney beans - Substitute with pinto beans: Pinto beans can be used as a substitute for light red kidney beans, providing a similar creamy texture and earthy flavor to the soup.
Navy beans - Substitute with cannellini beans: Cannellini beans can be used as a substitute for navy beans, providing a creamy texture and mild flavor to the soup.
Kale - Substitute with Swiss chard: Swiss chard can be used as a substitute for kale, providing a similar hearty texture and earthy flavor to the soup.
Bay leaves - Substitute with thyme: Thyme can be used as a substitute for bay leaves, providing a similar earthy and aromatic flavor to the soup.
Presentation Tips for Serving Kale Soup
Elevate the plating: When presenting the Portuguese kale soup, focus on creating a visually appealing arrangement. Use a wide-rimmed bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the soup.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of freshness and elegance by garnishing the soup with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a pop of flavor.
Incorporate artisanal bread: Serve the soup with a side of warm, crusty artisanal bread, such as sourdough or a rustic baguette. This adds a touch of sophistication and provides a delightful accompaniment to the hearty soup.
Opt for minimalistic elegance: Embrace a minimalist approach to plating, allowing the rich colors of the soup and the ingredients to take center stage. A simple, refined presentation can exude sophistication.
Consider the vessel: Choose a high-quality, elegant bowl that complements the rustic charm of the Portuguese kale soup. Opt for a vessel that adds to the overall dining experience and showcases the dish beautifully.
Emphasize symmetry and balance: Arrange the elements of the dish with precision, focusing on creating a sense of balance and harmony on the plate. Pay attention to the placement of each component for a visually striking presentation.
Highlight the sausage: Showcase the Portuguese sausage as a focal point of the dish. Consider slicing the sausage into elegant medallions and arranging them strategically within the soup for an elevated presentation.
Embrace the art of drizzling: Elevate the plating by delicately drizzling a swirl of high-quality olive oil over the surface of the soup. This adds a touch of luxury and enhances the overall presentation.
Add a touch of sophistication with a soup tureen: For a refined and upscale presentation, consider serving the Portuguese kale soup in a stylish soup tureen. This adds an element of grandeur to the dining experience.
Create a picturesque landscape: Arrange the ingredients in the soup to create a picturesque landscape within the bowl. Focus on creating an aesthetically pleasing composition that captivates the eyes of the diners.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Portuguese Kale Soup
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile and essential kitchen tool used for chopping, slicing, and dicing.
- Stock pot: A large, deep pot used for making stocks, soups, and stews.
- Wooden spoon: A sturdy and heat-resistant utensil used for stirring and mixing ingredients.
- Immersion blender: A handheld blending device used for pureeing soups and sauces directly in the cooking pot.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential tools for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Soup ladle: A deep-bowled spoon with a long handle, used for serving soups and stews.
- Tongs: Kitchen utensils with two arms and a pivot, used for gripping and lifting items.
- Can opener: A tool used for opening canned goods.
- Serving bowls: Containers used for serving and presenting dishes.
- Soup bowls: Bowls specifically designed for serving soups.
- Soup spoons: Spoons with a round bowl and a short, thick handle, designed for eating soup.
Storing and Freezing Portuguese Kale Soup
Allow the portuguese kale soup to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the formation of condensation, which can lead to spoilage and freezer burn.
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days. The flavors will continue to meld and develop over time, making the soup even more delicious.
If you plan to freeze the soup, consider the following steps:
- Portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Leave about an inch of headspace to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification later.
- Lay the bags flat in the freezer to maximize storage space and ensure even freezing.
- Frozen portuguese kale soup can be stored for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. If you're in a hurry, you can also thaw the soup in the microwave using the defrost setting.
Reheat the thawed soup gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If the soup appears too thick, you can add a little chicken broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
Taste the reheated soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. The potatoes and beans may absorb some of the liquid during storage, so you may need to add extra salt, pepper, or other seasonings to bring out the flavors.
Serve the reheated portuguese kale soup with freshly toasted crusty bread and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal.
How To Reheat Leftover Portuguese Kale Soup
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover portuguese kale soup to a pot and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the soup is heated evenly without overcooking the vegetables or sausage.
Microwave method: pour the leftover soup into a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, then stir the soup and continue heating in 30-second intervals until it reaches the desired temperature. Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it may be hot.
Slow cooker method: if you have a large amount of leftover soup, you can reheat it in a slow cooker. Transfer the soup to the slow cooker, cover it, and heat on low for 1-2 hours or until it reaches the desired temperature. This method is convenient if you want to reheat the soup without much supervision.
Oven method: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover soup to an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Place the dish in the oven and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the soup is heated through. Stir the soup occasionally to ensure even heating.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to stir the soup well to distribute the heat evenly and prevent any cold spots. Also, ensure that the soup reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving to prevent foodborne illness.
Is This Kale Soup Recipe Budget-Friendly?
This Portuguese kale soup recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The key ingredients, such as Portuguese sausage, kale, and beans, are affordable and readily available. The soup is hearty and nutritious, making it a budget-friendly option for feeding a family. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it an economical choice. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9/10, considering its affordability, nutritional value, and delicious taste.
Is Portuguese Kale Soup Healthy or Unhealthy?
The Portuguese kale soup recipe is a nutritious and hearty dish that offers several health benefits. The inclusion of kale, a superfood rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants and fiber, makes this soup an excellent choice for a healthy meal. The use of beans provides a good source of plant-based protein and additional fiber, which can help with digestion and maintaining a feeling of fullness. The potatoes offer complex carbohydrates and essential nutrients like potassium and vitamin C.
However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Consider using a leaner version of Portuguese sausage or replacing it with a plant-based alternative to reduce the overall fat and saturated fat content of the dish
- Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to help control the salt intake, as the sausage and added salt may already contribute significant amounts of sodium
- Increase the variety of vegetables by adding carrots, celery, or bell peppers to boost the nutrient profile and add more flavor and texture to the soup
- Use whole grain bread instead of white bread for serving to increase the fiber content and provide additional nutrients
By making these simple adjustments, you can enhance the nutritional value of the Portuguese kale soup while still maintaining its delicious taste and comforting qualities. This soup is a perfect example of how traditional recipes can be adapted to suit a healthier lifestyle without compromising on flavor.
Editor's Opinion on This Kale Soup Recipe
This Portuguese kale soup recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of Portuguese sausage adds a rich and savory element, while the combination of kidney beans, navy beans, and waxy potatoes provides a hearty and satisfying base. The addition of kale brings a vibrant green color and a fresh, earthy taste to the soup. The use of chicken broth and bay leaves infuses the soup with depth and complexity. Overall, this recipe offers a comforting and nourishing dish that is perfect for a cozy meal.
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Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Portuguese Kale Soup
Why trust this Portuguese Kale Soup Recipe:
This recipe is a trusted classic, passed down through generations in a Portuguese family. The Portuguese sausage infuses the soup with rich, savory flavors, while the combination of kidney beans and navy beans adds a hearty texture. The addition of kale not only provides a vibrant green color but also packs a nutritional punch. With the perfect balance of chicken broth and potatoes, this soup is a comforting and satisfying meal. The use of bay leaves enhances the aroma and depth of flavor, making this recipe a must-try for anyone seeking a taste of authentic Portuguese cuisine.
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