Caldo Verde: Portuguese Green Soup

Caldo Verde: Portuguese Green Soup

Caldo verde ('green broth') is Portugal's national soup of potato and galega cabbage with a round of chouriço. Simple, filling and inseparable from Portuguese culture.

History of the dish

Caldo verde originates from the Minho province in northern Portugal and became the whole country's favourite. It is served at weddings, christenings, folk festivals — and in any simple tasca.

Key ingredients

Potatoes, onion, garlic, chouriço (smoked Portuguese sausage), galega cabbage or kale (very thinly sliced), olive oil, salt, pepper.

How to cook at home

Boil the potato with onion and garlic and purée them directly in the broth — this is the base. Add the cabbage at the very end (2–3 minutes before serving) — it must stay bright green. Place rounds of chouriço in the bowl when serving.