Caldo Verde (Portuguese Kale Soup)
A simple, comforting Portuguese soup of creamy potato broth, shredded kale, and sliced chourico or smoked sausage — a weeknight staple and crowd-pleasing starter.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, diced
- 8 cups chicken broth (gluten-free)
- 6 cups curly kale, stems removed, very thinly sliced
- 8 oz chourico or smoked kielbasa, sliced thin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
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1
Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced yellow onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add 4 cloves minced garlic cloves and cook 1 minute more.
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2
Add 2 lbs peeled, diced Yukon Gold potatoes and 8 cups chicken broth (gluten-free). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are very tender, about 15-18 minutes.
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3
Using a potato masher or immersion blender, mash or puree about half the potatoes directly in the pot to create a creamy, thick base while leaving some texture.
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4
Add 8 oz sliced thin chourico or smoked kielbasa and 6 cups stems removed, very thinly sliced curly kale to the pot. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the kale is tender and the sausage is heated through.
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5
Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Taste and adjust. Serve hot with a drizzle of olive oil if desired.