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Caldo Verde is a simple to make beloved Portuguese dish. This traditional soup comes together easily with kale, potatoes, and Portuguese sausage for a vibrant heartwarming savory soup.
What Is Caldo Verde – Portuguese Green Soup
Caldo Verde originally comes from the Minho region in northern Portugal. It is the most popular Portuguese soup found in home kitchens to luxury tables.
The name translates to “green broth” in English and is also referred to as Portuguese green soup. That is because it’s made with couve verde, a particular dark green cabbage not widely available beyond Portugal’s borders.
Popular substitutes for couve verde are collard greens or kale. Both kale and collard greens are nutritionally dense and loaded with many health benefits.
This traditional Portuguese green soup is based on the combination of just a few simple ingredients.
A hearty Caldo Verde soup calls for potatoes, collard greens or kale, sliced chouriço or smoked Portuguese sausage, and Portuguese olive oil.
Caldo Verde is a symbol of Portuguese cuisine and a testament to the country’s rich culinary heritage.
Discovering Caldo Verde in Portugal
In Portugal, Caldo Verde is served as an appetizer or as a light dinner. It is often accompanied by a regional dense bread called broa from northern Portugal.
As a substitute, you can use cornbread to sop up every drop in the bowl.
The Portuguese have as many Caldo Verde recipes as there are kitchens.
We enjoyed versions with carrots and beans but always found ourselves gravitating towards the traditional recipe.
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How to Make Caldo Verde or Portuguese Green Soup at Home
Caldo Verde soup is a traditional Portuguese dish known for its simplicity and comforting flavors. You’ll want to make a large pot of this Caldo Verde recipe, as it is even better the next day.
Caldo Verde Recipe Ingredients
- Potatoes
- Kale or collard greens
- Portuguese Sausage (Chouriço)
- Onions, yellow or white
- Portuguese Olive Oil
- Beef broth
- Garlic
- Salt & Pepper to taste
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: If you love Portuguese cuisine and want other simple traditional recipes, see some of our favorite recipes.
Caldo Verde Recipe Tips
Since Caldo Verde is a simple soup, using fresh and high-quality ingredients will make a noticeable difference in the flavor.
Choose fresh kale, Portuguese chorizo, and good-quality olive oil for the best results.
Caldo Verde Portuguese Green Soup Cooking Tips
- Thinly slice the kale: To make Caldo Verde the Portuguese way, cut the kale or collard greens into thin strips instead of chopping them. In Portugal, locals told us that if you don’t cut the kale leaves or collard greens into long, narrow strips, the Portuguese would say it’s not a “real Portuguese Caldo Verde soup.”
- Potato choice: Choose starchy potatoes like russet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes, as they will break down slightly during cooking and help thicken the soup naturally.
- Creaminess of the soup: Adjust the texture of the soup to your preferences. We personally prefer the Portuguese soup watery or light. If you like your soup more creamy, you can add more potatoes. If it gets too thick, simply add water to thin it out.
- Sausage selection: For the most authentic flavors, choose Portuguese Chouriço or linguiça. You can also use cured or fresh sausage, depending on your preference.
How To Store Caldo Verde
To store Caldo Verde soup, allow it to cool down to room temperature before putting it away.
Divide the soup into individual or family-sized portions based on your needs. This makes it easier to thaw and reheat only the amount you need.
Store your soup in a freezer soup block for up to 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you want to store it for longer, place the containers in the freezer. Caldo Verde soup can be frozen for up to 2–3 months.
How To Reheat Caldo Verde
When you’re ready to enjoy the stored traditional Portuguese soup, remove the soup block from the freezer and let thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Once thawed, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until it is heated through.
Can I make Caldo Verde Vegetarian?
While Caldo Verde is traditionally made Portuguese sausage, you can make a few substitutions to make a vegetarian version.
- Replace the chorizo: Portuguese Chouriço is a traditional ingredient in Caldo Verde, but you can substitute it with vegetarian chorizo or completely omit it. If you prefer a smoky flavor, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to the soup for a similar effect.
- Use vegetable broth: Instead of using a meat-based broth, use vegetable broth as the base for your soup. Vegetable broth will provide a flavorful and savory base while keeping the soup vegetarian.
- Consider alternative protein sources: If you want to incorporate alternative proteins into your vegetarian Caldo Verde, you have a couple of options. You can add cooked chickpeas, white beans, or tofu cubes for a satisfying texture and to boost the nutritional value of the soup.
Substitute for Portuguese Sausages
If you’re looking for a substitute for Portuguese sausages in Caldo Verde soup, there are a few alternatives to consider:
- Linguica: Linguica is a Portuguese sausage that is similar to chorizo but milder in flavor. It can be a suitable substitute for Portuguese sausages in Caldo Verde, as it adds a smoky and slightly spicy taste. Look for linguica on Amazon or at specialty food stores.
- Chorizo: Chorizo is a Spanish sausage that shares some similarities with Portuguese sausages. It’s a spicy smoked sausage that can add depth and savory taste to the Caldo Verde soup.
- Smoked bacon or ham: If you prefer a meaty option, you can substitute Portuguese sausages with smoked bacon or ham. These options will add a smoky flavor and a rich, savory taste to the soup. Cook the bacon or ham first, then chop it into small pieces and add it to the soup during the cooking process.
- Smoked paprika or liquid smoke: For smoky flavors without using any meat or meat substitutes, you can add a small amount of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to the soup. This will infuse the soup with a smoky essence reminiscent of Portuguese sausages.
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Caldo Verde Step by Step Instructions
Prepare Potatoes and Chorizo
Wash, peel, and cut the potatoes into pieces. Cut the sausage into thin slices and brown for about 5 minutes in a pot with olive oil.
Make Broth and Slice Kale
Brown onions in a large saucepan. Add broth and potato pieces and cook for about 25 minutes until the potatoes are soft. Meanwhile, wash and cut kale leaves lengthwise.
Blend Soup, add Sausage and Kale
Blend the potatoes and broth in a blender to make it creamy. Return the cream to the pot and add the sliced kale and sausage slices and cook on low heat for a few minutes.
Caldo Verde Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large onion
- 1 or ½ lb Portuguese sausage skin removed
- 3 medium potatoes
- 2 tbsp Portuguese extra virgin olive oil plus more for serving
- ½ bunch of kale approximately 1lb
- 5¼ cups beef broth
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Peel and cut the onion into about ½ inch or 1 cm half-moon shape.
- Using a sharp kitchen knife, cut the Portuguese sausage into thin slices.
- Wash, peel, and cut the potatoes into 8 pieces.
- Place a large saucepan over medium heat. When heated, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, add the sausage slices, and let them brown for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- When ready, use a slotted spoon and remove the browned sausages. Set aside in a bowl.
- Lower the heat, add the onions to the same pot, and season with a pinch of salt. Sauté for about 2 minutes until wilted and starting to brown.
- Add the potato pieces and meat broth and increase the heat. Using a spatula, scrape the bottom of the pan well to dissolve any burnt spots – they add flavor to the soup.
- As soon as it starts to boil, lower the heat again, season with salt and pepper to taste and let it cook for another 25 minutes. Check to see if the potatoes are tender and cooked through by poking with a fork to check for doneness.
- Meanwhile, wash the kale leaves well under running water and let the excess water drain.
- Discard the stem and cut the kale in half lengthwise. Cut the leaves in half again, lengthwise. On the cutting board, place one leaf over the other and cut into thin strips – this way, the kale strips are not so long, making them easier to eat with a spoon.
- Once they are well cooked, transfer the potatoes with the broth to the blender. Beat for about 2 minutes until it forms a smooth cream.
- Be careful and hold the blender lid firmly with a kitchen towel to prevent hot steam from ejecting the lid.
- Return the cream to the pot, add the sliced kale and sausage slices.
- Let it cook over low heat for about 5 minutes until the kale is soft. Taste and, if necessary, adjust the salt and pepper.
- Ladle the Caldo Verde soup into bowls topped with thin slices of fried chorizo in each one.
- Drizzle with olive oil and serve our delicious soup hot.
Notes
- The quantities here are approximate based on the size of your potatoes and slices of Portuguese sausage. If you like your soup creamier, add more or less potatoes until you achieve your desired consistency.
- Enjoy your traditional caldo verde soup with cornbread or rustic bread to sop up the flavors.
Nutrition
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Rosemary is the editor-in-chief and strategist at Authentic Food Quest.
Traveling slow since 2015 with her partner, Claire, she has explored the cuisine in 45 countries and more than 240+ culinary cities.
Her writing about local food specialties has been featured in Lonely Planet, Business Insider, Honest Cooking, Food Insider, and Huffington Post.
As a food and travel writer, Rosemary has co-authored three books, including one in collaboration with Costa Brava Tourism.
Rosemary is an avid runner when she’s not eating and exploring new destinations. She has run ten marathons and counting.
Before Authentic Food Quest, Rosemary held senior-level strategy positions in advertising.
Find out more about Authentic Food Quest
This was really a nice cozy soup. So easy to make yet is so flavorful. With just a few ingredients you get a nice heartwarming soup. Thanks x
So glad you enjoyed it, Greta. It’s super simple and delicious, indeed!! Cheers
Just made the Caldo Verde from your recipe and it was like a cozy hug in a bowl! Simple, delicious, and so comforting especially on a chilly evening.
Wonderful to hear, Vicky. It is a hug in a bowl for sure. Thanks for sharing. Cheers
Best when served piping hot, it’s a soul-warming bowl that brings families together and leaves a lasting impression. Thanks for sharing.
You are so welcome. So glad you enjoyed it as a family. Cheers
This stuff is delicious! I made it last night for the family and it was a hit. I did use collards in place of kale. I just can’t do kale. I was so glad to see that substitution option. Really good soup!
Thank you, Beth. And, true either kale or collard greens work. Glad you liked it. Cheers.
I made this kale soup for dinner last night and it was fantastic! Just what I needed to warm me up!
That’s great to hear, Tayler. It’s simple and delicious for sure. Cheers.
You are most welcome. And, hope you make it soon. Cheers.
Wonderful, Amanda, and we agree. The secret is in the chorizo. Thanks for stopping by.
Great to hear Mahy, and excited for you to make it at home. Please let us know how it turns out. Cheers.
You are right, Michelle. A heart warming soup for the cooler temperatures. Can’t wait for you to try it. Cheers.
Great to hear, Beth. That’s wonderful. The next time you make it again, please tag #authenticfoodquest. Would love to see your pictures. Cheers.
My husband and I made this the other night for dinner, and we loved it! Such a delicious and very tasty soup. We love how it turned out and that it’s healthy! Can’t wait to make this again!
Great to hear, Beth. That’s wonderful. The next time you make it again, please tag #authenticfoodquest. Would love to see your pictures. Cheers.
My husband and I made this the other night for dinner, and we loved it! Such a delicious and very tasty soup. We love how it turned out and that it’s healthy! Can’t wait to make this again!
Looks like such a hearty and delicious soup, perfect for fall!
You are right, Michelle. A heart warming soup for the cooler temperatures. Can’t wait for you to try it. Cheers.
Looks like such a hearty and delicious soup, perfect for fall!
Oh wow – such an easy recipe to make, yet so delicious. Can’t wait to give it a try!
Great to hear Mahy, and excited for you to make it at home. Please let us know how it turns out. Cheers.
Oh wow – such an easy recipe to make, yet so delicious. Can’t wait to give it a try!
This soup was so delicious and cozy! I just loved the rich flavor the chorizo added.
Wonderful, Amanda, and we agree. The secret is in the chorizo. Thanks for stopping by.
This soup was so delicious and cozy! I just loved the rich flavor the chorizo added.
It looks so healthy and comforting at the same time. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
You are most welcome. And, hope you make it soon. Cheers.
It looks so healthy and comforting at the same time. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Sounds gorgeous! I love kale soup! I know it’s not necessarily a fan favourite but it honestly is gorgeous.
This looks so delicious and tasty! My husband and daughter are going to love this recipe! I can’t wait to give this a try! So excited!
We love trying new dishes and this sounds fantastic! The weather just turned cooler here so it’s definitely soup season.
This is the perfect soup to warm you up. Do let us know what you think of it. Thanks for stopping by.
Perfect soup for the season. Do let us know what you think, Jen.
That is such a delicious looking soup. I love the combination of potatoes with greens – so hearty and so yummy. Thanks for the recipe, will try it for my family.
Great to hear Pavani. Can’t wait for you to try it. Please do let us know how it turns out. Cheers.
I have recently started diving into Portuguese cuisine, and this soup is on my list! I love it so much that I cannot wait to try!
Perfect timing, Irina. Please tag us so we can see how yours turns out. Enjoy!
This Kale Soup sounds so good. I need to try your version.
Pretty simple to make and quite tasty. Excited for you to try it. Thanks for stopping by.
Never had this kale soup until now! It’s so easy to make and such a cozy recipe for a cold day. The whole family enjoyed this 🙂
Wonderful to hear Emily. Kale soup is not only tasty it is also very nutritious and perfect for the family. Cheers.
I’ve been experimenting with lots of new recipes over the past couple of months. I made this today and my entire family really enjoyed it! I am adding it to my groupings of recipes for our weekly menu plans. I am so excited to have a new favorite to add into the rotation!!
That’s wonderful to hear Cindy. If you want another Portuguese recipe, try the Serradura dessert, extremely easy to make and something the family will enjoy. Thanks for letting us know. Cheers.
I can appreciate a nice soup, might have to give this one a try.
This sounds delicious! One of my favorite parta of traveling is trying local restuarants and regional and cultural foods and recipes.
So true, Amanda. Nothing beats trying the local and regional cuisines. Thanks for stopping by.
So ultimately this is not only tasty but healthy too. I think it is truly worth a try…
Thanks for the healthy recipe.
Great recipe! I was just talking with someone about trying some other recipes so this is a great option!
Great to hear Lia. Do let us know how it turned out. Cheers.
This looks so so good, yummm…I can’t wait to make this tomorrow, super excited.
Great to hear Chad. Don’t forget to come back and let us know how it turned out. Cheers.
Saving this! Kale is such a powerful green veggie and I love them for smoothies. I’m gonnatl try preparing this soup next time
You are right, Sol. Kale is a superfood and one well worth incorporating on a regular basis. Can’t wait to hear how the soup turns out. Cheers.
This green soup is so healthy and looks delicious. I am saving the recipe to try out soon.
Thanks for sharing! This sounds absolutely amazing. I would most likely make it with kale.