Merritt'S Caldo Gallego(Turnip Green Soup)
Merritt's Caldo Gallego is a hearty Spanish-inspired soup featuring tender beans, smoky ham hock, savory sausages, and vibrant greens. Its rich flavors and comforting warmth make it perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, offering a satisfying taste of rustic tradition and bold, savory notes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the dried northern beans overnight in water.
- In a large pot, add water, ham hock, short ribs or stew meat, bay leaf, and salt. Bring to a boil.
- Skim off any foam that forms on the surface.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add the soaked beans and cook until tender, about an additional 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the vegetables: chop the onion and green pepper.
- Add potatoes, chopped onion, green pepper, and frozen or fresh greens to the pot.
- Remove the sausage skins and add the sausages to the soup.
- Continue cooking until all vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked sausage in place of Italian sausage. If turnip greens are unavailable, collard greens or even kale can be substituted. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead. You can also add other vegetables like carrots or celery for extra texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added heat. This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or cornbread for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside a light salad or choose to complement it with Spanish Tomato Rice for a flavorful twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions, ensuring they are heated evenly. Add a splash of water if the soup thickens too much upon cooling.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Merritt'S Caldo Gallego(Turnip Green Soup) contains roughly 1067 calories, with 76g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (151% of the Daily Value), iron (84% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (64% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1640mg per serving (71% 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 use canned beans instead of dried northern beans?
Yes, you can use canned beans to save time. If using canned beans, add them in during the last 15 minutes of cooking to heat through. Just be sure to reduce the overall cooking time to prevent them from becoming mushy.
What can I do if I don't have a ham hock?
If you don't have a ham hock, you can use smoked turkey, a piece of bacon, or simply add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to impart a similar flavor. You can also enhance the broth's depth by using a few drops of liquid smoke.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, omit all meats and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can enhance the flavor by adding extra herbs and spices, such as thyme or smoked paprika, to mimic the savory taste usually provided by the meat.
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).