Caldo Verde (Green Soup)

Caldo Verde (Green Soup)
Recipe photo may include foods and ingredients that are not a part of this recipe and not included in the nutrition analysis.
Recipe Credit: . Photo Credit: Chef Leticia Schwartz.
Summary

This classic Portuguese Soup is satisfying in every way. Traditionally, the soup is done with water, but chicken stock adds greater depth of flavor in this recipe. Chicken sausage instead of the traditional chorizo makes for a more diabetes-friendly dish. The kale adds a vibrant green color that gives Caldo Verde it's name. Feel free to play with different types of greens like collard greens or spinach.
*Look for fully cooked chicken sausage (your choice of flavor) with <500 mg sodium per 3 oz link.

  • Prep time
    20 min
  • Cook time
    40 min
  • Servings
    8 Servings
  • Serving size
    1 1/2 cups
Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts

8 Servings

  • Serving Size
    1 1/2 cups
  • Amount per serving Calories 180

  • Total Fat 9g
    • Saturated Fat 1.7g
    • Trans Fat 0g
  • Cholesterol 35mg
  • Sodium 470mg
  • Total Carbohydrate 15g
    • Dietary Fiber 2g
    • Total Sugars 3g
  • Protein 12g
  • Potassium 530mg
  • Phosphorus 180mg

Choices/Exchanges: 1/2 Starch, 1 Nonstarchy vegetable, 1 Lean protein, 1 1/2 Fat

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • olive oil
    3 tbsp
  • lower sodium chicken sausage* (sliced into coins or half moons)
    3/4 lbs
  • garlic (minced)
    3 clove
  • large onion (diced)
    1
  • Yukon gold potatoes (peeled and cut into 1/2-inch chunks)
    1 lbs
  • low-fat, reduced-sodium chicken broth
    6 cup
  • lucinato kale or other greens (stems discarded and roughly chopped)
    1/2 lbs
  • kosher salt
    1/2 tsp
  • black pepper
    1 pinch
  • cayenne pepper
    to taste
Directions

Directions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot, add the sausage and cook until it’s lightly golden all over, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the sausage from the pan, transfer to a bowl and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.

  2. Meanwhile, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the pan. Add the garlic and cook until it just starts to turn golden, about 2 minutes. Add the onions and cook, stirring frequently, until it’s soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Then add the potatoes and mix well, allowing them to get hot, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, about 4 minutes.

  3. Add the cooked sausage back to the pot along with the chicken stock. Cover the pot and bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer gently until the potatoes are just cooked and fork-tender, about 15 minutes.

  4. Add the greens and cook at a gentle simmer until the kale is bright green and wilted, about 5 minutes. If you want to prepare the soup ahead of time, hold the kale and add just 5 minutes before serving. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.

Reviews
  • Recommended

    This was very tasty. Even family members who don’t generally like kale ate this without complaint.