Caldo verde is one of the tastiest soups in Portugal, and an easy one to make. It comes from Minho, a region in the north of the country, but today you will find it everywhere in Portugal.

Caldo verde, Portuguese green collards soup

Ingredients (serves 8)

Instructions

  1. Wash the greens and separate the leaves. Cut out the thick stems, roll the leaves up tightly and slice them as thinly as you can.
  2. Peel and chop the onion and garlic.
  3. Heat some olive oil in a pot and cook the onion over medium heat. When it starts to turn golden, add the garlic and cook for 5 minutes.
  4. Peel the potatoes and cut them into small pieces.
  5. Cut a third of the chouriço into large chunks and add it to the pot. Fry for 5 to 8 minutes, until it releases its fat.
  6. Add the potatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
  7. Add the water and bring to the boil. Season, cover and cook over medium heat for about 40 minutes, until the potatoes are soft.
  8. Blend the soup with a hand blender until creamy.
  9. Add another third of the chouriço and cook for 8 to 10 minutes.
  10. Add the greens and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Serve with the remaining chouriço, freshly sliced.

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Download the Caldo Verde recipe (PDF)

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