Name: Easy Caldo Verde Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Portuguese
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound chouriço sausage, sliced; 1 large onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 8 cups chicken broth; 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 bunch kale, stems removed and thinly sliced

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Oh, soup! Is there anything more comforting than a big ol’ bowl of warm, hearty soup on a chilly evening? For me, it’s pure bliss. And this Easy Caldo Verde Soup? It’s become my absolute go-to. Seriously, it’s so simple to whip up, and it tastes like it took hours! This classic Portuguese kale and potato soup, with its smoky chouriço kick, is just magic. I remember my first taste of it at a little Portuguese restaurant years ago, and I was hooked. Now, making this Easy Caldo Verde Soup at home totally brings me back there!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Caldo Verde Soup

Seriously, you’re gonna love this soup!

It’s super quick to make – perfect for those weeknights when you’re starving but don’t have much time.
You probably already have most of the ingredients hanging out in your kitchen!
The flavor is just incredible – that smoky chouriço and tender kale combo is something else.
It’s surprisingly healthy, packed with wholesome veggies.
It’s just pure comfort in a bowl, you know?

Gather Your Ingredients for Easy Caldo Verde Soup

Okay, let’s get our pantry organized for this deliciousness! You’ll need just a few simple things to bring this Easy Caldo Verde Soup to life. Grab a tablespoon of good olive oil, and about a pound of chouriço sausage – make sure it’s sliced up. Then, we’ve got one big onion that’s been chopped, and four cloves of garlic, all minced nice and fine. You’ll also need about eight cups of chicken broth, two pounds of potatoes that you’ve peeled and cubed, and then just basic salt and pepper to taste. Oh! And the star veggie: a big bunch of kale, with the stems completely removed and the leaves thinly sliced. That’s it, simple as that!

Simple Steps for Your Easy Caldo Verde Soup

Alright, let’s get cooking! Making this Easy Caldo Verde Soup is honestly so straightforward, you’ll be shocked. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious, comforting soup on the table in no time.

Sautéing the Aromatics and Chouriço

First things first, we need to build some flavor! Grab a big pot and heat up a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your sliced chouriço. Let it get nice and browned – you want to see some of that smoky goodness come out. Once it’s looking good, lift it out with a slotted spoon and set it aside. Don’t you dare toss those flavorful drippings! Add your chopped onion to the same pot and let it soften up, about 5 minutes should do it. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until you can smell its amazing aroma. Be careful not to burn it! You know, if you’re curious about other great ways to use chouriço, check out these chicken breast recipes – it adds a fantastic smoky depth to so many dishes!

Simmering the Base for Delicious Caldo Verde Soup

Now we build the heart of the soup! Pour in your chicken broth – all eight cups of it. Then, add your cubed potatoes, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir. Bring this all up to a boil, then immediately turn the heat down to low, pop a lid on, and let it simmer away. You want to cook it until those potatoes are super tender, usually about 15 to 20 minutes. This is where all the potato magic happens, making the broth nice and savory!

Adding Kale and Finishing Touches

Once those potatoes are fork-tender, it’s time to thicken things up just a bit. You can gently mash some of them against the side of the pot with your spoon – it makes the soup wonderfully creamy without needing any flour or heavy cream. Now, stir in that thinly sliced kale. It’ll seem like a lot, but it wilts down fast! Let it cook for about 5 minutes, just until it’s vibrant green and tender. Finally, return that lovely cooked chouriço back into the pot to warm through. Give everything one last stir, and boom! Your soup is ready to go.

Tips for the Best Easy Caldo Verde Soup

Want to make your Easy Caldo Verde Soup absolutely sing? I’ve got a few little tricks up my sleeve! First off, with the kale, make sure you slice those leaves super thin. It makes a world of difference in how tender they get and how easily they mix into the soup. And for the chouriço, don’t be shy; get a good quality one with plenty of smoky flavor. It really is the star here. If your potatoes aren’t quite thickening the broth enough for your liking, just mash a few more against the pot! It’s my favorite way to get that perfect, slightly thickened texture without any fuss. Trust me, these little things make all the difference!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Caldo Verde

You know, sometimes you just don’t have everything on hand, and that’s totally okay! If you can’t find traditional chouriço, don’t sweat it. A good quality smoked sausage or even a spicy kielbasa can totally work in a pinch. They’ll give you that lovely smoky depth. Or, if you’re looking for a delicious vegetarian Caldo Verde, just skip the chouriço altogether and use a good vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It’s still incredibly flavorful and satisfying!

Serving and Storing Your Easy Caldo Verde Soup

Oh, serving this Easy Caldo Verde Soup is pure joy! You absolutely want to serve it piping hot, right after you finish it. It’s amazing just as it is, but sometimes I like to swirl in an extra drizzle of olive oil just before I ladle it into bowls. So good! If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), storing them is a breeze. Just let the soup cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container in the fridge. It should last for about 3-4 days. And guess what? It reheats beautifully on the stovetop or even in the microwave!

Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Caldo Verde Soup

Got questions about this simple soup? I’ve got you covered!

Is Caldo Verde Soup Healthy?

Oh, absolutely! This Easy Caldo Verde Soup is packed with goodness. You’ve got potatoes for energy and fiber, and kale is a nutritional powerhouse with vitamins and minerals. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s good for you too!

What is the Traditional Meat in Caldo Verde?

The classic star of traditional Caldo Verde is chouriço, a type of Portuguese smoked sausage. Its smoky flavor and paprika notes are what really make this soup special. But as we know, you can totally make it vegetarian if you skip the chouriço and use veggie broth!

Can I Use Different Greens in this Easy Caldo Verde Recipe?

While kale is truly the star here for that authentic Caldo Verde texture and flavor, you *could* try other hearty greens. Spinach works, but it wilts down much faster and doesn’t have the same bite. Collard greens are a possibility, but make sure to chop them super finely!

Nutritional Information for Easy Caldo Verde Soup

Now, just a quick note about the nutrition! Keep in mind these numbers are estimates and can change a bit depending on exactly what you use. But generally, a serving of this Easy Caldo Verde Soup is around 350 calories, with about 18g of fat. You’re looking at roughly 30g of carbs and a good 15g of protein. It’s a satisfying bowl that gives you energy!