Caldo Verde with Sausage
Authentic Caldo Verde with Sausage Recipe - Portuguese Comfort Food
Introduction
Caldo Verde with Sausage is a traditional Portuguese soup that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cold winter day. This recipe combines potatoes, kale, and linguica sausage to create a delicious and comforting dish that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.
History
Caldo Verde, which translates to "green broth" in Portuguese, originated in the Minho region of northern Portugal. It is a simple and rustic soup that has been enjoyed by generations of Portuguese families. Originally made with just potatoes and kale, the addition of linguica sausage adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- In a large saucepan, heat 3 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Cook the onion and garlic for 3 or 4 minutes.
- Stir in the potatoes and cook, stirring constantly, for an additional 3 or 4 minutes.
- Pour in the water and bring it to a boil. Let it gently boil for 20 minutes, until the potatoes are very soft.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-low heat, cook the sausage for 10 minutes until it has released most of its fat.
- Drain the sausage.
- Mash or puree the potatoes.
- Add the sausage, salt, and pepper to the soup. Return to medium heat.
- Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Just before serving, stir in the kale and simmer until it is tender and jade green.
- Stir in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and serve immediately.
Variations
- For a spicier version of this recipe, use chorizo sausage instead of linguica.
- Add white beans or chickpeas for extra protein and fiber.
- Stir in a splash of white wine or vinegar for a tangy twist.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to cook the potatoes until they are very soft before mashing or pureeing them. This will help to thicken the soup and give it a creamy texture.
- Cooking the sausage separately and draining off the excess fat before adding it to the soup will help to reduce the overall fat content of the dish.
- For a vegetarian version of this recipe, simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of water.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Caldo Verde with Sausage with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete and filling meal. A side salad or steamed vegetables can also be served alongside the soup.
Cooking Techniques
Be sure to simmer the soup gently to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Stir in the kale just before serving to ensure that it retains its bright green color and tender texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you can't find linguica sausage, you can use chorizo or another type of smoked sausage.
- Substitute sweet potatoes or turnips for the white potatoes for a different flavor profile.
Make Ahead Tips
Caldo Verde with Sausage can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish each bowl of Caldo Verde with Sausage with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika, and a few fresh parsley leaves for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Serve Caldo Verde with Sausage with a glass of Portuguese red wine, such as Vinho Verde or Douro, for a perfect pairing.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover Caldo Verde with Sausage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Caldo Verde with Sausage contains approximately 300 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Caldo Verde with Sausage contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Caldo Verde with Sausage contains approximately 15 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of Caldo Verde with Sausage contains approximately 10 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Caldo Verde with Sausage is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.
Alergens
This recipe contains gluten from the linguica sausage. It may also contain dairy if butter is used in place of olive oil.
Summary
Caldo Verde with Sausage is a nutritious and satisfying dish that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a great option for a comforting meal on a cold day.
Summary
Caldo Verde with Sausage is a delicious and comforting soup that is perfect for a cozy night in. With its hearty ingredients and rich flavors, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of discovering this recipe is still vivid in my mind. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves falling in a beautiful array of colors outside my kitchen window. I was feeling a bit under the weather, craving something warm and comforting to soothe my soul. That's when I remembered a dear friend of mine, Maria, mentioning a traditional Portuguese soup called Caldo Verde with Sausage. I had never made it before, but I knew I had to give it a try.
I picked up the phone and called Maria, asking her for the recipe. She chuckled warmly, telling me that it was a family secret passed down through generations. However, she was more than happy to share it with me, knowing how much I loved experimenting in the kitchen.
The first step in making Caldo Verde with Sausage was to gather all the necessary ingredients. I made a list and headed to the grocery store, picking up a bunch of kale, a few potatoes, some smoked sausage, and a couple of onions. As I walked through the aisles, I could almost smell the delicious aroma of the soup already.
Back in my kitchen, I started by peeling and chopping the potatoes, then slicing the onions. The sausage was next, and as I sautéed it in a large pot, the savory smell filled the air. I added the onions and let them cook until they were soft and translucent, giving the soup a rich flavor.
Next, I poured in some chicken broth and added the potatoes. I let everything simmer for a while, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Then came the star of the show – the kale. I washed and chopped it finely, adding it to the pot and watching as it wilted and turned a vibrant green.
As the soup bubbled away on the stove, I couldn't help but think of Maria and her family traditions. I imagined her grandmother standing in her own kitchen, stirring a pot of Caldo Verde with Sausage, passing down the recipe with a smile and a twinkle in her eye.
Finally, the soup was ready. I ladled it into bowls, the steam rising in a tantalizing swirl of fragrant warmth. I took a spoonful and closed my eyes, savoring the first taste of Caldo Verde with Sausage. The flavors were rich and comforting, the kale tender and the sausage adding a delicious smokiness.
I couldn't wait to share this recipe with my own family and friends. I knew they would love it as much as I did, and I felt a sense of pride in carrying on the tradition of Caldo Verde with Sausage.
From that day on, this recipe became a staple in my kitchen. I made it for every special occasion, every cozy night in, and every time someone needed a little comfort in a bowl. And each time I made it, I thought of Maria and her family, grateful for their generosity in sharing this cherished recipe with me.
As I sit here now, reflecting on that fateful day when I first discovered Caldo Verde with Sausage, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary journey that led me to this delicious soup. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to comfort and nourish both body and soul.
And so, I will continue to make Caldo Verde with Sausage, passing down the recipe to future generations, just as Maria did for me. Because some recipes are more than just ingredients and instructions – they are a connection to our past, a celebration of our present, and a gift for the future.
Categories
| Kale Recipes | Onion Recipes | Pork Sausage Recipes | Portuguese Recipes | Portuguese Soups | Potato Recipes |