Green Soup (Caldo Verde)(A Traditional Portuguese Dish)
A comforting Portuguese green soup featuring potatoes, collards, and spicy chourico sausage, perfect for hearty meals and loved for its savory, greens-rich flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients, except collards, in a pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 45 to 50 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- Remove sausage and set aside.
- Puree the cooked potatoes in a blender or food processor until smooth.
- Return the pureed potatoes to the pot.
- Add the chopped collards or kale to the pot.
- Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the greens are barely tender.
- Slice the cooked sausage; place a few slices into each serving bowl.
- Pour the hot soup over the sausage slices and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream before serving. If you cannot find chourico sausage, try using kielbasa or another smoked sausage as a substitute. Fresh herbs like parsley can enhance the flavor, or for a twist, add a pinch of smoked paprika to deepen the soup's taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional collards or kale if desired. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Oven-Fried Ginger Chicken for a delightful dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a bit of water or broth to thin it out as it may thicken in the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Soup (Caldo Verde)(A Traditional Portuguese Dish) contains roughly 2965 calories, with 48g protein, 400g carbohydrates, and 131g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (140% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (122% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1060mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by using vegetable stock and omitting the chourico sausage. For added flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the depth that sausage provides.
What other greens can I use in this recipe?
While collards or kale are traditional, you can substitute with Swiss chard, spinach, or even mustard greens. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the greens' tenderness.
Is there a way to make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup up to the blending stage and store it refrigerated for up to 2 days. Just add the greens and reheat before serving for the freshest taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).