Caldo Verde, aka Portuguese Potato, Sausage & Kale Soup

Did you know that Caldo verde is the national soup of Portugal?  Caldo verde, the Portuguese “green” soup, has been on my “to do” recipe list for well over a year!  I just don’t know what’s taken me so long because it’s really simple, rustic, everyday fare which results in the iconic Portuguese comfort food!  The ingredient list is fairly short but it makes a wonderfully light, but interestingly enough hearty, soup.

INGREDIENTS:

1 medium onion, chopped

1 pound Yukon Gold baby potatoes, peeled and diced

1 cup baby carrots, diced

1 lb. Chorizo, Linguica, or Kielbasa (I used Kielbasa), thin sliced & halved

2 cans white beans (Garbanzo or Cannelloni, drained and rinsed)

8 cups chicken broth

½ teaspoon ground cumin

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)

8 cups kale or collard greens, washed, stems removed and julienned or fine chop

Place all ingredients except kale or collard greens in your slow cooker (I used my 6-quart slow cooker).  Give a stir and cook on low for 8 hours or so.  Turn slow cooker to high and add kale in batches, submerging each batch.  Cook 15 -20 minutes or until wilted & tender.  Now you’re ready to ladle into bowls and smile!  Serve with side salad and cornbread or crusty bread.