Pork-Free Caldo Verde
Prep
15m
Cook
30m
Total
45m
Steps
1
Sweat the aromatics:
In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
2
Cook the potatoes:
Add the diced potatoes and broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are very tender (about 15–20 minutes).
Add the diced potatoes and broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are very tender (about 15–20 minutes).
3
Blend the base:
Once tender, use an immersion blender (or transfer part/all to a blender) and puree until smooth. This gives the soup its classic creamy body.
Once tender, use an immersion blender (or transfer part/all to a blender) and puree until smooth. This gives the soup its classic creamy body.
4
Add greens:
Stir in the thinly sliced kale and simmer another 5–8 minutes until the greens are tender.
Stir in the thinly sliced kale and simmer another 5–8 minutes until the greens are tender.
5
Add protein & smoky flavor:
• If using smoked turkey sausage or a plant-based smoked sausage, add the slices now to heat through.
• For extra smoke depth without meat, sprinkle in a bit of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke.
• If using smoked turkey sausage or a plant-based smoked sausage, add the slices now to heat through.
• For extra smoke depth without meat, sprinkle in a bit of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke.
6
Finish & serve:
Season with salt and pepper. If you like a little brightness, squeeze a bit of lemon or a splash of vinegar into each bowl before serving.
Season with salt and pepper. If you like a little brightness, squeeze a bit of lemon or a splash of vinegar into each bowl before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving350 calories
Calories from
- Protein 19%
- Carbs 38%
- Fat 43%
-
Fat High 15 g 23%
-
Saturated Fat 3 g 15%
-
Carbohydrates 30 g 10%
-
Fiber 4 g 16%
-
Sugar 5 g 10%
-
Protein High 15 g 30%
-
Cholesterol 20 mg 6%
-
Sodium High 900 mg 37%
% Daily Value is based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Notes
• Traditional versions use sausage for a smoky, savory note — smoked turkey or kosher chicken sausage works beautifully. 
• If you want no sausage at all, boosting the smoke with smoked paprika or liquid smoke makes your soup more complex. 
• For added heartiness, a can of white beans (rinsed) can be stirred in at the end. 
• The greens are the soul of this soup — kale, collards, or even Swiss chard all work well. 
• This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld! Serve with crusty bread if you like.
• If you want no sausage at all, boosting the smoke with smoked paprika or liquid smoke makes your soup more complex. 
• For added heartiness, a can of white beans (rinsed) can be stirred in at the end. 
• The greens are the soul of this soup — kale, collards, or even Swiss chard all work well. 
• This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld! Serve with crusty bread if you like.
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