Green soup

Caldo Verde Soup: A Portuguese Cabbage Cream Delight

Caldo Verde is a traditional, emblematic soup that combines simple ingredients into a refined and comforting recipe, perfect for cool evenings or to bring a smile to the faces of loved ones. This soup is not only delicious but also rich in history, with deep roots in culinary culture. Before we start cooking, let’s explore a bit of the story behind this wonderful soup and prepare for a unique gastronomic experience!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Basic ingredients:
- 4 leaves of Portuguese cabbage (or kale, if unavailable)
- 4 medium potatoes
- ½ zucchini
- ½ onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 smoked sausage (preferably chorizo or smoked pork sausage)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water (enough to cover the vegetables)

The Story of Caldo Verde Soup:
Caldo Verde is more than just a soup; it is a symbol of community, often served at parties and festive events. Whether it’s a family gathering or a local festival, this soup brings people together around a table, fostering a sense of belonging and tradition. In the past, Portuguese cabbage was an accessible ingredient, and the soup became a favorite due to its comforting taste and simple preparation method.

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by washing all the ingredients. Peel the potatoes and zucchini, cutting them into cubes of about 1-2 cm to ensure even cooking. The onion and garlic should be roughly chopped, while the Portuguese cabbage leaves will be finely sliced, almost like noodles.

2. Sautéing the vegetables:
In a large pot, add a few tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic over medium heat until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This step will bring the base flavors into the soup and create a delicious foundation.

3. Adding the potatoes and zucchini:
Add the cubed potatoes and zucchini to the pot, mixing well with the onion and garlic. Pour in hot water until the vegetables are completely covered. Add salt to taste and let it simmer over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are very well cooked.

4. Preparing the sausage:
While the vegetables are boiling, prepare the sausage. The whole piece of smoked sausage will be added to the pot to infuse flavor into the soup. Allow the sausage to boil with the vegetables, then remove it from the soup before puréeing the vegetables.

5. Blending the vegetables into a cream:
Once the vegetables are cooked, use an immersion blender or food processor to purée the vegetables until you achieve a creamy and smooth consistency. If you prefer a thinner soup, add a little hot water. Taste the soup and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.

6. Adding the cabbage:
Put the soup back on the heat and add the finely sliced cabbage leaves. Let it simmer for 10 minutes until the cabbage becomes tender.

7. Finishing the soup:
In the last few minutes, slice the sausage thinly and add it back to the soup. This will provide a pleasant texture and enhance the soup's flavor. Let it heat for another 2-3 minutes.

8. Serving:
Serve the Caldo Verde soup hot, drizzled with a splash of high-quality olive oil. You can add croutons for a crunchy texture or even a few slices of lemon to highlight the flavors. It’s delicious alongside a slice of rustic bread.

Helpful tips:
- Make sure the cabbage is fresh; this will make a big difference in the final taste of the soup.
- If you want to make a vegetarian version, replace the sausage with smoked tofu or omit it entirely. Add a vegetable stock cube for extra flavor.
- Experiment with spices: add a bit of paprika or chili for a little heat.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use another type of cabbage? Yes, but Portuguese cabbage has a distinct flavor, so the result will be different.
- How can I store the soup? It keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can freeze it, but it’s recommended to add fresh cabbage after thawing to maintain texture.

Delicious pairings:
Caldo Verde soup pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or feta cheese. You can also enjoy it with a dry white wine for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Enjoy every spoonful of this comforting soup! It will surely become a favorite recipe in your home and a wonderful way to bring a touch of tradition to every meal.