Name: Amazing Easy Caldo Verde Soup: Warm Hug
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Portuguese
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 pound potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 bunch kale (about 8 cups), stems removed and chopped; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

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Oh, this Easy Caldo Verde Soup is just one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, isn’t it? It’s a classic Portuguese dish, and honestly, it’s become my go-to when I want something incredibly comforting without a whole lot of fuss. What I absolutely adore about this soup is how it takes simple, humble ingredients – potatoes, kale, a few aromatics – and transforms them into something truly special. It’s proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients to make magic happen in the kitchen! This recipe has such a lovely, rustic charm, and it’s perfect for a chilly evening or whenever you just need a little something to lift your spirits. Trust me, once you make this Easy Caldo Verde Soup, you’ll see why it’s a beloved favorite!

Gathering Your Ingredients for Easy Caldo Verde Soup

Alright, let’s get our kitchen ready for this deliciousness! For our Easy Caldo Verde Soup, we’re keeping things super simple, which is part of its charm, right? You’ll need a good glug of olive oil – about a tablespoon to get us started. Then, we’ll grab one big onion that’s been chopped up nice and fine, and a couple of garlic cloves, minced up so they release all their amazing flavor. Oh, and since this is a vegetarian version, we’re using a good 6 cups of chicken broth. You can totally use vegetable broth if you prefer, just make sure it’s a good quality one!

Olive Oil and Aromatics

That olive oil is our flavor base, and the onion and garlic? They’re the heart and soul of so many great dishes, including this one! Sautéing them until they’re soft and fragrant really makes a difference in the final taste of your Easy Caldo Verde Soup. Don’t rush this part; it’s worth it!

The Broth and Potatoes

The chicken broth is what brings everything together, giving our soup that comforting richness. For the potatoes, you’ll need about a pound of them, all peeled and diced up into bite-sized pieces. This is what gives the soup its lovely, hearty texture. For more potato inspiration, check out these crispy smashed potatoes.

The Star: Kale

Now for the star of the show: kale! You’ll want a big bunch, which usually works out to about 8 cups once you’ve prepped it. Make sure to remove those tough stems and give it a good chop. This is what gives Caldo Verde its signature look and fantastic, slightly earthy flavor.

Seasoning and Freshness

And of course, we need a little salt and black pepper to taste – you can adjust this as you go. Finally, to finish it all off, a handful of chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of brightness. It just makes everything pop!

How to Prepare Your Easy Caldo Verde Soup

Alright, let’s get this soup on the go! It’s honestly so straightforward, you’ll be amazed. First things first, grab a big pot – the kind you can really get some simmering going in. Pop it on the stove over medium heat and let that tablespoon of olive oil get nice and warm. Then, toss in your chopped onion. We’re going to let that soften up for about 5 minutes, just until it looks a little see-through and smells amazing. Next, add your minced garlic. Be careful here, garlic can burn fast, so just a minute is all it needs to get fragrant. This is the foundation of our flavor, so don’t skip these little steps!

Building the Flavor Base

This is where the magic really starts! That sizzle of the onions and garlic in the olive oil is just pure happiness. It fills your kitchen with the most wonderful aroma, and it’s setting us up for a really delicious bowl of Easy Caldo Verde Soup. It’s all about building those layers of flavor from the very beginning, and these simple aromatics do just that.

Simmering the Potatoes

Now, pour in your chicken broth – all 6 cups of it! Then, add your diced potatoes. Give it all a good stir, and then bring it up to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, turn the heat down to low, pop a lid on, and let it do its thing. We want those potatoes to get super tender, which usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when you can easily poke them with a fork.

Adding the Kale and Finishing Touches

Once the potatoes are perfectly soft, it’s time for the star ingredient: the kale! Stir in your chopped kale. It might look like a lot, but don’t worry, it wilts down really quickly. Just about 5 minutes should do it until it’s tender and a beautiful bright green. Now for the final touches: season your soup with salt and pepper to your liking. Taste it and add more if you think it needs it. And finally, stir in that lovely chopped fresh parsley right at the end. It just adds that perfect pop of freshness!

Tips for Perfecting Your Easy Caldo Verde Soup

Making this Easy Caldo Verde Soup is pretty foolproof, but there are a couple of little tricks that can really elevate it. First off, don’t be afraid to play with the texture! If you like your soup a bit creamier, you can totally take out about a cup or two of the cooked potatoes (before adding the kale, of course!) and mash them really well with a fork, or even give them a quick blitz in a blender or with an immersion blender. Then, stir that creamy potato goodness back into the pot. It makes the soup wonderfully thick and luscious without any extra cream.

Achieving the Right Consistency

That little blending trick with some of the potatoes is my favorite way to get a super smooth, velvety broth. It really changes the mouthfeel of the soup and makes it feel even more comforting. Just a few potatoes blended makes a world of difference in the consistency of your Easy Caldo Verde Soup!

Customizing Your Easy Caldo Verde Soup

And if you’re looking to make this soup a bit more of a hearty meal, you absolutely can! My favorite way to do that is to slice up some delicious Chourico or Linguiça sausage. Just brown it in the pot before you start with the onions and garlic, then leave the flavorful drippings in there. You can either add the cooked sausage back into the soup at the end, or even serve it alongside. It adds such a fantastic smoky, savory depth that makes this Easy Caldo Verde Soup feel really substantial and special. It’s a game-changer for a chilly evening!

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Caldo Verde Soup

Q1. Is this a truly vegetarian Easy Caldo Verde Soup?
Yes, this recipe is made vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It’s a wonderfully hearty and flavorful soup that fits a vegetarian diet perfectly! You get all the classic Portuguese goodness without any meat products.

Q2. Can I make this Portuguese Kale Soup heartier?
Absolutely! While this version is vegetarian and light, you can easily make it heartier. The recipe notes suggest adding sliced Chourico or Linguiça sausage. Just sauté it before the onions and garlic, and it adds a fantastic smoky flavor and makes it a more substantial meal.

Q3. What kind of kale is best for this Potato Kale Soup?
Regular green kale, like Lacinato or curly kale, works perfectly for this Potato Kale Soup. Just make sure to remove those tough center stems before chopping it up. The kale wilts down beautifully in the soup, adding that signature color and a lovely texture.

Q4. How do I get a creamier texture for my Caldo Verde?
For a creamier Easy Caldo Verde Soup, you can blend some of the cooked potatoes right in the pot! Before you add the kale, scoop out a cup or two of the tender potatoes, mash them really well or give them a quick buzz with an immersion blender, then stir them back into the soup. It thickens it up beautifully!

Serving and Storing Your Easy Caldo Verde Soup

Serving up this Easy Caldo Verde Soup is the best part! Ladle it up hot into cozy bowls. That sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end really makes it pop, so don’t skip that! It’s perfect on its own, but honestly, a crusty piece of bread on the side is always a good idea for dipping. If you happen to have any leftovers – which is rare in my house! – just let the soup cool down completely. Pop it into an airtight container and it should keep nicely in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Reheating is super easy; just gently warm it up on the stove over low heat, or you can pop it in the microwave. Give it a good stir, and it’s ready to enjoy again! For more soup ideas, explore our collection of soups.

Understanding the Nutrition of Easy Caldo Verde Soup

This Easy Caldo Verde Soup is not only delicious but also quite healthy! Each serving (about 1.5 cups) is estimated to have around 150 calories, 4g of fat, 5g of protein, and 25g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind, these numbers are approximate and can change a bit depending on the exact ingredients you use! For a deeper dive into nutritional information, you can consult resources like the USDA’s FoodData Central.