### Caldo Verde Portuguese Sausage Kale Soup Recipe
Caldo Verde is a traditional green soup from Portugal, made primarily with kale and potatoes. Adding Portuguese sausage enhances its rich flavors. This recipe will guide you through making this comforting dish that's perfect for cold days.
#### Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 500g (1 lb) kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
- 800g (1.75 lbs) potatoes, peeled and diced
- 450ml (1.5 cups) chicken or vegetable broth
- 250g (9 oz) Portuguese sausage, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for serving
#### Equipment:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon
### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Ingredients:**
- Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Remove the stems from the kale and thinly slice the leaves.
2. **Cooking the Sausage and Vegetables:**
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant but not browned.
3. **Adding the Kale and Potatoes:**
- Add the sliced kale to the pot and stir well to coat with oil from the vegetables.
- Let it cook for a few minutes, then add the diced potatoes.
- Pour in the broth, making sure all ingredients are submerged.
4. **Simmering the Soup:**
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
- During this time, slice the Portuguese sausage into thin rounds.
5. **Adding Sausage and Finishing Touches:**
- Add the sliced sausage to the soup and cook for another 10-15 minutes until it's heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using, grate some Parmesan cheese over the top before serving.
6. **Serving:**
- Serve hot as a hearty starter or main dish.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh black pepper for extra flavor.
### Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients like fresh kale and good quality sausage to enhance the flavor.
- Adjust seasoning according to personal taste, especially when adding salt and pepper.
- For a more robust flavor, you can add some smoked paprika or dried chili flakes during cooking.
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By following these steps, you'll create a delicious and authentic caldo verde that's perfect for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy your homemade caldo verde!