It’s starting to get chilly outside. Extra layers of sweaters and snuggly scarves aren’t the only way to face the cold—a steaming bowl of soup is one of the best ways to warm up. Caldo Verde is a traditional Portuguese soup with potatoes, greens and sausage. It’s crazy good even in the summertime, but during the cold months it is particularly satisfying. This recipe for my grandmother’s version is easy enough for any college cook to manage.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
4 large potatoes
1 ½ teaspoons salt
8 cups of water
¼ cups olive oil
¼ teaspoon pepper
6 ounces chorizo sausage
½ pound kale, shredded
Directions:
1.Peel the potatoes. Cut them into 1/4-inch thick round slices. Don’t worry about getting all the skin off when you peel the potatoes. Skin will give the soup a little extra flavor and texture.
Photo by Tallie Gabriel
2. Cook the potatoes in a large pot with salt and water until they are tender, about 30 minutes.
Photo by Tallie Gabriel
3. Mash the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. If you don’t have a potato masher, it’s also easy to do this with a spoon.
Photo by Tallie Gabriel
4. Stir in the olive oil and pepper.
5. Prick holes the sausages with a fork, and add them to the pot.
Photo by Tallie Gabriel
6. Let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes.
Photo by Tallie Gabriel
7. Remove the sausages. Cut them into bite-sized slices then return them to the pot.
Photo by Tallie Gabriel
8. Add the kale and let simmer for 3 to 4 more minutes.
Photo by Tallie Gabriel
Photo by Tallie Gabriel
9. Serve immediately.
Photo by Tallie Gabriel
Photo by Tallie Gabriel