Soups and broths

Caldo verde

Portuguese potato soup with finely shredded greens, olive oil and slices of chouriço.

RegionMinho / North
DifficultyEasy
Total time45 min
Servings6 servings
Photo of Caldo verde — traditional Portuguese recipe
Photo of the traditional Portuguese recipe.

Editorial content from Empório Portugal. Traditional recipes may vary by region, family and cook.

About the recipe

Caldo verde is one of Portugal’s most emblematic soups, tied to the North and to popular festivities.

The creamy potato base takes very finely cut greens, which should cook quickly to keep color and texture.

Each family adjusts the chouriço, the thickness and how boldly the olive oil shows.

Ingredients

  • 700 g peeled potatoes
  • 1 onion
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1.5 liters water or light stock
  • 1 bunch of collard greens, shredded very finely
  • 120 g chouriço, sliced
  • 60 ml olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Method

  1. Cook potatoes, onion and garlic in water until soft.
  2. Beat or mash until you have a smooth cream.
  3. Return to the pan, adjust the salt and warm through.
  4. Add the finely shredded greens and cook for just a few minutes.
  5. Drizzle with olive oil and add slices of chouriço.
  6. Serve hot, with bread.

Tips from Empório Portugal

  • Very finely cut greens are essential for the traditional texture.
  • Do not cook the greens for too long.
  • The soup should be creamy, but not heavy.

Possible substitutions in Brazil

  • In Brazil, collard greens stand in for Portuguese kale.
  • Chouriço can be swapped for good-quality Portuguese sausage.

Pairing

Country bread and red or white Vinho Verde. Content intended for adults 18+. Drink responsibly.

Editorial note from Empório Portugal

This recipe is an Empório Portugal editorial version inspired by Portuguese culinary tradition. Regional and family variations exist, especially in seasoning, quantities and method.

Do you have a Portuguese family recipe?

Send it to the Empório Portugal community. Submitted recipes are reviewed before any publication.

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Quick facts

Prep
15 min
Cooking
30 min
Total time
45 min
Yield
6 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Occasion
Starter, cold evening, Portuguese midsummer festivities

Pairing

Country bread and red or white Vinho Verde. Content intended for adults 18+. Drink responsibly.

Empório tip

Very finely cut greens are essential for the traditional texture.

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