How to Make easy Caldo Verde Recipe [Sausage kale soup]

This hearty and comforting Portuguese Sausage Kale Soup (Caldo Verde Recipe) is chock full of kale, beans, and other vegetables! This delicious soup is a real crowd-pleaser too! As a bonus, it’s on the table in just 30 minutes. You might want to make a double batch because this soup is even better the next day!

Discover the joy of Portuguese cuisine with our Sausage and Kale Soup recipe. Known as Caldo Verde, this nutritious soup is packed with zesty sausage, kale, and aromatic spices. This hearty and comforting dish will bring warmth and happiness to your table. Perfect for any occasion, it’s comfort food in a bowl!

Ingredients for Caldo Verde Recipe – Sausage Kale Soup

This delightful Sausage and Kale Soup recipe calls for zesty Portuguese sausage, fresh kale, flavorful spices, potatoes, onions, garlic, and a hint of tangy tomatoes.

• Salt: I use fine Sea Salt but fine sea salt or table salt will work just as well. I recommend adding the salt incrementally, to taste. Depending on the sausage you use, you may need less salt than listed in the ingredients.
• Sausage: If your grocer does not carry Chourico or linguica sausages, some good substitutes are dried (cured) Spanish Chorizo sausage, smoked kielbasa sausage, or spicy andouille sausage. My favorite is the spicy andouille. It goes perfectly with the kale. As an alternative, you could also substitute the sausage for diced ham, ham hocks, or smoked turkey wings. Turkey or chicken sausages also make a healthy substitute
• Beans: We use a white Kidney Bean (Cannellini) but white navy bean, butter bean, red kidney bean, or garbanzo (chickpeas [paid link]) also work well in this recipe.
• Potatoes: Any good waxy potato that stands up to boiling will work well in this recipe. The top three are Russet, red, or Yukon Gold.
• Tomatoes: The recipe calls for canned fire-roasted tomatoes. If you are using fresh tomatoes, aim for 2 cups of diced fresh tomatoes. To remove the skins before chopping them, blanch them in boiling water for about 10 seconds, the skins will slide right off.
• Chicken Stock: Homemade Chicken Stock is always best but if going with a boxed variety, select a low-sodium variety. This allows you to control the salt in your recipe.

How to Make Caldo Verde – Sausage Kale Soup Recipe

Cook the sausage, onions, and garlic until golden, then add potatoes, kale, tomatoes, and spices. Simmer until flavors meld together, and serve hot!

1. Heat oil in a deep pot over medium-high heat. Add onions, cover, and cook for 5 minutes or until the onions become translucent. Stir occasionally.
2. Add garlic and kale to the pot. Cover pot and wilt greens for about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Add beans, chourico, potatoes, and bay leaves. red pepper flakes (optional), diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and cider vinegar to the pot. Bring soup to a full rolling boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook 10 to 15 minutes longer or until potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Remove from heat. Serve immediately. I recommend some crusty bread to soak up that amazing broth!

Why this recipe works

1. The combination of zesty Portuguese sausage and nutritious kale creates a perfect balance of flavors.
2. The aromatic spices add depth and richness to the soup.
3. The simmering process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a harmonious and delicious dish.
4. The addition of potatoes provides a comforting and hearty element to the soup.
5. This recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit individual preferences.

Recipe Tips and Kitchen Tricks

1. Use spicy Portuguese sausage for an extra kick of flavor.
2. Add a splash of white wine during cooking for a subtle tangy note.
3. If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some cooked potatoes before adding them back to the pot.
4. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an added savory touch.
5. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
6. Make a double batch and freeze the leftovers for quick and convenient meals.
7. Experiment with different types of kale, such as curly kale or lacinato kale, for variations in texture.

Recipe Variations for sausage kale soup:

1. Substitute kale with spinach or Swiss chard for a different leafy green flavor.
2. Use vegetarian sausage or chickpeas [paid link] for a meat-free version.
3. Add white beans or cannellini beans for extra protein and creaminess.
4. Include diced carrots or bell peppers for added color and texture.
5. Spice it up with chili flakes or paprika for a fiery twist.
6. Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a refreshing tang.
7. Top the soup with crumbled bacon for an indulgent twist.

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions:

• Storing: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, let it cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.

Serving Suggestions:

1. Serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread for a complete meal.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
3. Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use a different type of sausage? Absolutely! While the recipe calls for Portuguese sausage, you can substitute it with any flavorful sausage of your choice, such as Italian sausage, Cajun Andouille, or chorizo.
2. Can I make this soup vegetarian? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by using plant-based sausage or omitting the sausage altogether. You can also add more vegetables or beans for protein and flavor.
3. Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to three months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
4. How long does this soup stay fresh in the refrigerator? The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it down before refrigerating and reheat it thoroughly before consuming.
5. Can I adjust the spiciness of the soup? Absolutely! If you prefer a milder soup, you can use mild sausage or reduce the amount of spices. If you want it spicier, add some chili flakes or hot sauce to suit your taste.

Wine & Cocktail Pairings

Wine Pairings:

1. For a red wine pairing, try a medium-bodied red like a Tempranillo or a Merlot. The fruity notes and balanced acidity will complement the flavors of the soup.
2. If you prefer white wine, opt for a crisp and slightly acidic Sauvignon Blanc or a Chardonnay with tropical fruit flavors. These wines will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
3. For a cocktail pairing, a classic Bloody Mary can be a great choice. The savory flavors and spice of the cocktail pair well with the robust flavors of the sausage and kale.

Cocktail Pairings:

1. A Moscow Mule made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice offers a refreshing and zesty accompaniment to the soup. The ginger flavors provide a nice contrast to the richness of the dish.
2. A classic Margarita with tequila, lime juice, and a touch of sweetness balances well with the savory flavors of the soup. The tangy citrus notes complement the dish beautifully.
3. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling mocktail with soda water, a splash of cranberry juice, and a squeeze of lime can provide a light and effervescent pairing that cleanses the palate between each bite of the soup.