Dessert

Caldo Verde (Portuguese Green Soup) Recipe

Name: Caldo Verde (Portuguese Green Soup) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Portuguese
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb chorizo sausage links (or Portuguese sausage); 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and shredded; 6 c chicken broth (bone broth preferred); 1 tsp kosher salt; ½ tsp pepper; 1 bunch kale, stems removed, thinly julienned; Red pepper flakes (to taste)

ByClara Bennett November 12, 2026November 12, 2026

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Introduction

Caldo Verde is a comforting Portuguese green soup that comes together in one pot with chorizo, potatoes, and kale. It turns a few simple pantry items into a hearty, satisfying meal you can whip up any night of the week.

A white bowl sits on a white marbled surface and is filled with a green soup full of chopped kale, small pale potato pieces, and round orange slices of sausage, all in a light broth with a glossy sheen. The top shows flecks of red chili flakes, herbs, and a drizzle of oil, giving it a speckled look; a silver spoon rests inside, curved along the side and dipping toward the center. A small dark dish of crushed spices sits nearby in the corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb chorizo sausage links (or Portuguese sausage)
1 large yellow onion (finely chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
2 medium russet potatoes (peeled and shredded)
6 c chicken broth (bone broth preferred)
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp pepper
1 bunch kale (stems removed, thinly julienned)
Red pepper flakes (to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Brown sausages in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until nicely browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and heat until shimmering. Return the sausages to the pot and sear 3–4 minutes per side. Remove again and set aside.
Step 3: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the fat in the pot and toss to coat. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 8–10 minutes.
Step 4: Add the shredded potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Season with salt and pepper, and bring to a brisk simmer. Cover and cook 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are breaking down and releasing starch.
Step 5: Add the kale to the pot and simmer 15–20 minutes more, until the kale is very soft and the potatoes are disintegrating. The soup should thicken to a slightly creamy consistency. If you like, use a stick blender for a few quick pulses, or remove about a third of the soup and blend separately before returning it.
Step 6: Slice the sausages into coins and return them to the pot. Simmer 5 minutes more, until the sausages are heated through.
Step 7: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and season with red pepper flakes for a spicy finish if desired.
Step 8: Serve immediately while hot, with optional crusty bread on the side.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, use turkey or chicken sausage and reduce the amount of olive oil.
To intensify the green color, add a splash of extra broth during simmering and keep the kale chunky if you prefer more texture.
If you don’t have kale, collard greens or spinach can work in a pinch.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if the soup has thickened too much.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds a green kale soup with round orange sausage slices floating on the surface. The top layer shows wilted kale leaves with red pepper flakes and a light oil sheen. Underneath, a clear, pale broth forms the middle layer with tiny herbs scattered through it. The bottom layer contains the sausage slices partially submerged, giving the dish a warm, hearty look as the pieces peek through the greens. The background and surface are a white marble texture, and a metal spoon rests in the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Common question 1?

Can I make Caldo Verde without chorizo?

Yes. You can substitute with another sausage or omit it entirely for a vegetarian-friendly version. You may add a splash of olive oil and a pinch more salt for flavor.