Hearty Portuguese Kale and Chorizo Soup Recipe

Hearty Portuguese Kale Soup 🥣🍞

Description

Imagine wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket of warmth and comfort with each spoonful of this Hearty Portuguese Kale Soup. This delightful and flavorful soup is a beloved comfort food in my family, passed down through generations. Originally given to me by my Portuguese mother-in-law over 30 years ago, it carries the rich heritage and flavors of Portugal. The chorizo sausage infuses the broth with a deep, savory base, perfect for adding more beans, pasta, or even a bit of water if you wish to stretch it for extra servings. It’s the ideal soul-warming dish for a cold night, best enjoyed with warm, crusty bread. And the best part? It tastes even better the next day and freezes beautifully for future meals. 🍲💖

Times ⏰

Ingredients 🛒

1. Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
2. Chorizo sausage – 1 link (casing removed, cut into smaller-than-bite-sized pieces)
3. Chicken broth – 1 quart
4. Onion – 1 medium (chopped)
5. Potatoes – 4 medium (peeled and diced)
6. Kale – 1 bunch (washed and chopped)
7. Dark red kidney beans – 1 1/2 cups (canned or cooked)
8. Fresh ground black pepper – 1 teaspoon
9. Salt – to taste

Nutritional Information 🍽️

• Calories: 794.1 kcal
• Fat Content: 33.4 g
• Saturated Fat Content: 11.7 g
• Cholesterol Content: 66.7 mg
• Sodium Content: 1466.3 mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 86.5 g
• Fiber Content: 12.6 g
• Sugar Content: 4.4 g
• Protein Content: 37.5 g

Servings

This recipe serves 6 hearty portions.

Instructions 📜

1. Prepare the Chorizo:

   • Remove the casing from the chorizo sausage and cut it into smaller-than-bite-sized pieces. This ensures that each bite is packed with flavor. 🍖🔪

2. Saute the Sausage and Onion:

   • Heat the olive oil in a heavy soup pot over medium heat. Add the sausage and chopped onion, sauteing just until the fat is rendered and the onions are translucent, which takes about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it builds the flavorful base of your soup. 🧅🍳

3. Drain Excess Fat:

   • Drain the sausage and onion on paper towels to remove any excess fat. This helps keep the soup from becoming greasy while still maintaining that rich chorizo flavor. 🧼🧻

4. Add the Main Ingredients:

   • Return the sausage and onion to the pot. Add the chicken broth, diced potatoes, dark red kidney beans, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. 🥔🥄

5. Simmer the Soup:

   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the potatoes to start softening. This slow cooking process ensures that every ingredient contributes to the overall taste. 🍲🔥

6. Add Kale:

   • Add the washed and chopped kale to the pot. Kale adds a wonderful texture and a slight bitterness that perfectly balances the richness of the chorizo. 🌿🥄

7. Final Simmer:

   • Simmer for another 8 minutes, or until the kale is tender and the potatoes are fully cooked. This final simmer ensures all the flavors are well incorporated and the kale is perfectly soft. 🥬⏳

8. Taste and Adjust Seasoning:

   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Depending on the spiciness of your chorizo, you might need to add more salt and pepper to achieve the perfect balance. 🔍🍛

9. Serve:

   • Serve the soup piping hot. Ladle it into bowls and enjoy it with warm, crusty bread for dipping. Each spoonful is a delightful blend of hearty vegetables, flavorful sausage, and nourishing broth. 🍞🥣

Tips and Variations 💡

• Stretching the Soup: If you need to stretch the soup to serve more people, feel free to add another can of beans or more pasta. A little extra water or broth will help maintain the perfect consistency.
• Freezing: This soup freezes exceptionally well. Simply cool it completely, transfer it to airtight containers, and freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
• Next-Day Flavor: The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making this soup taste even better the next day. It’s a great make-ahead meal for busy weeks.
• Vegetarian Option: To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chorizo and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add more beans or even some tofu for added protein.

A Hearty Meal for Any Occasion 🍽️❤️

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a bowl of Hearty Portuguese Kale Soup. It’s a dish that not only fills your stomach but also warms your heart. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal on a chilly evening, a nutritious dish to nourish your family, or a flavorful soup that tastes even better the next day, this recipe is a perfect choice. The rich history and tradition behind it add to its charm, making it more than just a meal but a cherished family tradition. So grab your soup pot, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the process of making this delicious soup that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. 🍲🏡

Bon appétit! Enjoy every spoonful of this delightful and heartwarming soup. 😊🥣