Traditional Portuguese Kale Soup

by Debra Stoleroff

Caldo Verde is a traditional Portuguese soup from the north of Portugal. It is hearty and comforting; perfect to eat on a cool rainy day. I rarely eat or cook meat but I love this soup. AND, it is so simple to make. This is my personal take on the traditional recipe.

Ingredients

• 3-4 large yellow potatoes, diced (peeling is up to you)
• 1 Vermont Salumi Chorizo pork sausage
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1-2 bunches kale cut thin
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 Tbsp of olive oil plus more to serve
• Chicken broth (optional – to taste – for extra flavor) I use Better than Bouillon

Preparation

1. In a cast iron or frying pan, sauté the onions and garlic in the oil for 4-5 minutes. Set aside.
2. Place the diced potatoes in a 2-4 qt soup pot.
3. Cover with water, bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are soft enough to mash.
4. Remove 1/4-1/3 of the water. 
5. Mash the potatoes just enough to thicken the water while leaving some potatoes unmashed. 
6. Add the onions and garlic to the mashed potato soup pot. Stir and cook for 2 minutes.
7. Slice the sausage into thin slices (it’s okay if the slices fall apart) Add to the soup pot. Stir and cook for 2 minutes. 
8. Add the kale, stir and cook for 2 minutes longer.
9. Stir in the chicken broth, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20-30 min.

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