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.

Easy

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.

caldo verde

Photo by Tallie Gabriel

2. Cook the potatoes in a large pot with salt and water until they are tender, about 30 minutes.

caldo verde

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.

caldo verde

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.

caldo verde

Photo by Tallie Gabriel

6. Let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes.

caldo verde

Photo by Tallie Gabriel

7. Remove the sausages. Cut them into bite-sized slices then return them to the pot.

caldo verde

Photo by Tallie Gabriel

8. Add the kale and let simmer for 3 to 4 more minutes.

caldo verde

Photo by Tallie Gabriel

caldo verde

Photo by Tallie Gabriel

9. Serve immediately.

caldo verde

Photo by Tallie Gabriel

caldo verde

Photo by Tallie Gabriel