Best Portuguese Kale Soup

Portuguese Kale Soup, also known as Caldo Verde, is a traditional and beloved comfort food from Portugal. This rustic soup is simple yet deeply flavorful, featuring tender potatoes, smoky chouriço or linguiça sausage, and finely shredded kale simmered in a savory broth. It’s often served with crusty bread and enjoyed during family gatherings or festive occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty, warming, and full of rustic charm
• Uses simple ingredients with rich results
• Naturally gluten-free and easy to adapt
• A traditional recipe with a centuries-old culinary heritage
• Perfect for weeknights, holidays, or meal prepping

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Olive oil
• Onion, finely chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Chouriço or linguiça sausage, thinly sliced
• Potatoes, peeled and diced
• Chicken broth or water
• Kale or collard greens, finely shredded
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: crusty bread for serving

directions

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and cook until softened and fragrant.
2. Brown the Sausage: Add sliced chouriço or linguiça. Cook for a few minutes until the sausage starts to brown and release its oils. Remove a few slices and set aside for garnish.
3. Simmer Potatoes: Add diced potatoes and pour in broth or water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are very tender.
4. Blend for Creaminess: Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup—this gives it a creamy texture while leaving some potato pieces intact.
5. Add Greens: Stir in the shredded kale. Simmer for 5–10 minutes, until the greens are tender and the soup turns a vibrant green.
6. Season and Serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls, garnish with the reserved sausage slices, and serve hot with crusty bread.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth. Add smoked paprika for a hint of the traditional smoky flavor.
• Chunky Style: Skip blending for a chunkier soup with visible potato and kale pieces.
• Spicy Twist: Use spicy chouriço or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Extra Veggies: Add carrots or leeks for additional flavor and texture.

storage/reheating

Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months—let thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheat on the stove over medium heat or microwave in intervals, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened.

FAQs

What is Caldo Verde?

Caldo Verde is a traditional Portuguese soup made with potatoes, kale, and sausage, often served during celebrations and family meals.

What kind of sausage should I use?

Chouriço or linguiça are traditional. Spanish chorizo or smoked kielbasa are good substitutes.

Can I use collard greens instead of kale?

Yes, collard greens are often used in Portuguese cooking and work beautifully in this soup.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just serve with gluten-free bread if needed.

How can I make it vegetarian?

Use vegetable broth and omit the sausage. Add beans or chickpeas for protein.

Do I need to blend the soup?

Blending part of the soup gives it a creamy texture, but it’s optional. You can keep it chunky if preferred.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Sauté onions, garlic, and sausage first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Add kale near the end.

What’s the best kale for this soup?

Lacinato (dino) kale or curly kale work well. Remove the tough stems before shredding.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together.

What should I serve with Caldo Verde?

Traditionally, it’s served with crusty Portuguese corn bread (broa), but any crusty loaf will pair well.

Conclusion

Portuguese Kale Soup is a timeless classic that brings both comfort and character to your table. Whether you’re savoring it on a cold evening or serving it to guests, Caldo Verde delivers authentic flavor in every bite. With its simple ingredients and rich heritage, it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and again.

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