Caldo Verde — Kale & Potato Soup

The national soup of Portugal, a smooth potato broth with finely shredded kale and slices of chouriço.

TIME BREAKDOWN
Prep: 15 min
Cook: 35 min
Total: 50 minutes
Vegetarian
❌
Nuts
❌
Serves
6 people
Difficulty
Very Easy

Ingredients

  • 4 tbsp olive oil, plus extra to serve
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, sliced
  • 600g floury potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1.2 litres water or light chicken stock
  • 200g curly kale or cavolo nero, stalks removed and leaves very finely shredded
  • 150g Portuguese chouriço (or other smoked chorizo), sliced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method

  1. Heat 2 tbsp of the oil in a large pan and cook the onion for 6 minutes. Add the garlic for 1 minute.

  2. Add the potatoes and water or stock with a good pinch of salt. Bring to the boil and simmer for 20 minutes until the potatoes are completely soft.

  3. Blend the soup until very smooth and return to the pan.

  4. Fry the chouriço slices in a dry frying pan for 4 minutes until crisp and the fat has rendered.

  5. Add the kale to the soup and simmer for 5 minutes until just tender but still bright green. Season to taste.

  6. Serve in bowls topped with the chouriço and a drizzle of olive oil.