Caldo Verde Soup

This is a very easy soup to make and will warm you up on a cold winter day.

Caldo Verde means 'Green Broth' in Portuguese. This soup originates from the northern region of Portugal and is traditionally made with kale, potatoes, broth, onions and Chorizo sausage. In Portugal, it is often served at weddings or birthdays. I serve this delicious and hearty soup with a hunk of baguette and some soft cheeses.

Ingredients:

1 Medium Onion, finely chopped

3 Tablespoons Olive Oil

2 Cups chopped baby potatoes with skins left on

1 Cup Chorizo* sausage, thinly sliced and then halved

3 cups of kale, torn in bite-sized pieces

Sea Salt

Freshly ground pepper

6 or more cups of good quality chicken broth

Method:

Heat Oil in large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until heated

Reduce heat and add onion, saute on low heat until onions are translucent

Add 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt and freshly ground pepper

Add the Chorizo sausage and saute for about five minutes

Add chopped potatoes and cook for another five minutes

Add chopped kale and stir until combined

Add broth and bring to a simmer

Simmer for about 30 minutes or until potatoes are soft

Cool for five minutes

With a potato masher, give the soup a few good mashes until about half of the potatoes are mashed through

Season with sea salt and pepper to taste

This soup will also freeze well.

*Chorizo sausage is a smoked and cured sausage from Portugal and Spain. You may slice it and eat it without cooking or add as an ingredient to flavour dishes. Most butchers or grocery stores carry it now but if you have a Portuguese food shop in your area, go there!