Portuguese Kale Soup with Beef

Also known as ‘caldo verde,’ this Portuguese kale soup with beef beautifully narrates the tale of Portugal’s underrated yet diverse cuisine. If you were to ask me what I preferred for my keto Thanksgiving, then I would choose this dish as second to Thanksgiving Turkey.

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Beef recipes have always had so many enthusiasts and I am a big fan of it, This twist of different ingredients swirled together to give some heavenly scent, had to be in my recipe basket. After trying severally to perfect it, my result of course is breath-taking. Let me give you a ride!

Traditional Ingredients for Portuguese Kale Soup with Beef

When it comes to making the quintessential Portuguese Kale Soup with beef, selected ingredients play a pivotal role in setting its profile. They go from farm to kitchen, ensuring the freshness and quality.

The main ingredients in this recipe are:

Kale: Kale has a slightly bitter taste, but it becomes more mellow when cooked.

Beef: Beef is the main source of protein in Portuguese kale soup with beef.

Chourico: Is a type of cured sausage that is made with pork, garlic, paprika, and other spices. It has a smoky flavor and a slightly spicy kick. In this recipe, it adds depth of flavor and a bit of spice to the soup.

Potatoes: Potatoes are a starchy vegetable that adds thickness and body to Portuguese kale soup with beef. In this soup, the potatoes are cooked until they are soft and tender, and they help to thicken the broth and make it more filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Portuguese Kale Soup with Beef

First gather your ingredients – fresh kale, beef chunks, garlic, onions, and potatoes. Remember, the key to any great dish lies in the freshness of its constituents.

Setting the tone, begin by sautéing your onions and garlic in a large pot using olive oil until they’re tender.

Now toss the beef chunks into the pot, browning them lightly. This simple process helping to seal in the juices of the beef.

Lastly, it’s time for our leafy friend – the kale. Add your kale and potatoes to the pot, sprinkle in a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, cover with water and let the magic happen.

Delicious Variations to Try

Now let me steal for you some lively tweaks that can elevate your soup experience.

Try this delicious Portuguese kale soup with beef recipe and you are going to love how it turns out.

Adding spicy linguica sausage can lend an intensely savory punch while preserving the traditional touch.
Experiment with fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky undertone.

Introduce sweet potatoes into the broth base for a fresh, sweet counterpoint to the robust beef flavor.
A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add a charming heat, making every spoonful adventurous.
Prepare it vegan-friendly by replacing the beef with tofu or Portobello mushrooms.

Try adding coconut milk to create a creamy, rich base that subtly enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
Consider a day-old, crusty sourdough bread on the side for scooping up every last drop of your delightful Portuguese kale soup with beef.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Soup

Stick to traditional cooking methods where possible. The low and slow cooking method truly brings out the rich flavors of the beef and kale.

Don’t rush the process, as the magic of Portuguese kale soup with beef lies within the slow infusion of ingredients.
Invest in organic, textured kale for heightened flavor. Mature kale lends a robust flavor to the soup, and is essential in capturing the taste of this dish.
Experiment with different cuts of beef for a unique spin. Traditionally, Portuguese kale soup with beef uses chourico (which I used in this recipe) – a Portuguese sausage – and beef shank. However, you can venture out to other premium cuts if you desire a richer texture.

Finally, always garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley before serving.

Pairing Portuguese Kale Soup with Beef and Accompaniments

This dish delights even more when it’s partnered with the right pièce de résistance. For a seamless symphony of flavors, try pairing this hearty soup with a crusty Portuguese bread called Pão Alentejano.

delicious Portuguese kale soup with beef recipe

Another match made in Portuguese culinary heavens is Arroz de Tomate—a simple yet luscious tomato rice. This contrasts splendidly against the complex flavor profile of your Portuguese kale soup with beef.

Embrace the full gastronomic experience of Portuguese cuisine, and don’t forget to wash everything down with a glass of red Vinho Verde. Portuguese kale soup with beef has never tasted this good! You can’t miss to try our Kale Pasta Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Serving Suggestions and Garnishes

Rustic Bread Bowl Surprise

Take your Portuguese kale soup with beef presentation to the next level by serving it in a hollowed-out bread bowl.
Choose a hearty crusty loaf, such as sourdough or rye, and carve out the center to make room for the soup.

Portuguese Tapas Style

You can serve Portuguese kale soup with beef as a tapas dish.
Pour the soup into small shot glasses or mini bowls for individual portions.
Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of paprika or chili flakes for a pop of color and flavor.

Serve alongside a platter of assorted Portuguese tapas, such as crispy cod fritters, grilled sardines, or creamy bacalhau croquettes.

Creative Soup Pairings

For a light and refreshing meal, serve the soup as a starter before a main course of grilled fish or roasted chicken.
Enjoy it as a side dish with a Portuguese-inspired feast, featuring dishes like bacalhau à brás, feijoada, or frango piri piri.

Soup and Salad Combo

If you’re looking to add some freshness to your meal, pair Portuguese kale soup with beef with a crisp salad.
Opt for a simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute beef with other types of meat such as chicken, pork, or even seafood. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that the meat is cooked through.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can easily make a vegetarian version of this soup by omitting the beef and chorizo sausage. Instead, you can use vegetable broth for added flavor and protein. You can also add some beans or lentils for extra texture and protein.

How can I store the leftovers?

If you have any leftovers, you can store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the soup in individual portions for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it thoroughly before reheating.

Portuguese Kale Soup with Beef

Chef Amelia

Try this delicious Portuguese kale soup with beef recipe and you are going to love how it turns out. The ingredients are easy to find!

4 from 3 votes

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Total Time 50

Course Main Course, Side Dish, Soup

Cuisine Portuguese

Calories 314 kcal

Ingredients

1.5 pounds of beef chuck roast cut into bite-sized pieces.

2 tablespoons of olive oil for browning.
1 large bunch of kale stems removed and leaves chopped into bite-sized pieces.
2 medium-sized potatoes peeled and diced.

1 large onion diced.
4 cloves of garlic minced.
½ pound of chouriço sausage sliced.

2 carrots peeled and diced.
2 stalks of celery diced.
1 bay leaf.

1 teaspoon of paprika.
½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
Salt and pepper to taste.

6 cups of beef or chicken broth.
2 cups of water.

Instructions

Brown the Beef:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef chuck roast and cook until browned on all sides. This will add a depth of flavor to the soup.

Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Add the Vegetables:
Now, it's time to add the diced potatoes, chopped kale, sliced chouriço sausage, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
Season the Soup:
Add the bay leaf, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the pot. These seasonings will give the soup its distinct Portuguese flavor. Give everything a good stir to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.

Pour in the Broth and Water:
Add the beef or chicken broth and water to the pot. This will bethe base of our soup. It will provide the liquid and additional flavor needed to create a delicious broth.
Simmer and Cook:
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1 hour. This will allow all the flavors to meld together and the beef to become tender.
Serve and Enjoy:
Once the soup is done cooking, remove the bay leaf and discard it. Ladle the Portuguese kale soup with beef into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish it with some freshly chopped parsley or a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of flavor.