Name: Devastatingly Delicious Portuguese Kale Soup in 45
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Portuguese
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced; 1 medium onion, diced; 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes; 12 cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 1/2 pound potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 can cannellini beans (14 oz); 6 cups low-sodium chicken stock; 6 cups kale, stems removed, chopped; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe

Okay, picture this: it’s a chilly evening, the kind where you just want to curl up with something warm and comforting. That’s when I whip up my Portuguese kale soup! Seriously, this stuff is like a hug in a bowl. It’s packed with flavor, super easy to make (even on a crazy weeknight!), and honestly, it’s a family favorite. My kids, who are usually picky eaters, slurp this stuff down! I think it’s the smoky sausage that gets them every time. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to get a delicious and healthy dinner on the table, you *have* to try this Portuguese kale soup. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

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Why You’ll Love This Portuguese Kale Soup

Seriously, what’s not to love? This soup is:

Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour!
Easy to Make: I promise, even beginner cooks can nail this one.
Flavorful: Smoked sausage, garlic, and chili flakes? Yum!
Healthy: Kale and beans? Hello, superfoods!
Gluten-Free: Perfect if you’re avoiding gluten.

Quick and Easy Portuguese Kale Soup

Weeknights are *busy*, right? That’s why I love this soup! It’s so fast to prep and cook – perfect when you’re short on time.

Hearty and Flavorful

This isn’t some wimpy soup! The smoked sausage gives it a rich, smoky flavor that’s just amazing. Plus, the garlic and chili flakes add a nice little kick!

Nutritious and Delicious

Okay, so it tastes great, but it’s also good for you! Kale and beans are packed with vitamins and fiber, making this a super satisfying and healthy meal. Win-win!

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Portuguese Kale Soup Ingredients

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need for this amazing Portuguese kale soup:

2 tablespoons of olive oil (the good stuff!)
1 pound of smoked sausage, sliced (more on sausage options later!)
1 medium onion, diced (don’t worry about being perfect)
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped (I *love* garlic, so I sometimes add more!)
1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (or more, if you like it spicy!)
12 cherry tomatoes, halved (so cute!)
1 1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced (I use Yukon Gold)
1 can (14 oz) of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (nobody likes bean juice!)
6 cups of low-sodium chicken stock (or broth)
6 cups of kale, stems removed, chopped (curly or lacinato works!)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (don’t be shy!)

How to Prepare Portuguese Kale Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, so here’s the deal on making this Portuguese kale soup. It’s seriously easy, but I’m gonna walk you through it step-by-step so you get it *perfect* every time!

Sauté the Sausage and Aromatics

First, grab your biggest pot and drizzle in the olive oil. Heat it up over medium heat, and then toss in the sliced sausage. You wanna fry that sausage until it’s nice and crispy – about 4-5 minutes. Trust me, that crispy sausage is where so much of the flavor comes from! Once the sausage is looking good, add in the diced onion and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until it starts to soften. Now, stir in the chopped garlic and red chili flakes. Cook for just a minute – you’ll start to smell that garlic, and it’s *amazing*! Careful not to burn the garlic, though; burnt garlic is no fun.

Build the Portuguese Kale Soup Base

Next up, add those halved cherry tomatoes to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until they soften up a bit. They’ll release their juices and add some extra yumminess to the base. Now, stir in the diced potatoes, drained and rinsed cannellini beans, and chicken stock. Crank up the heat and bring it all to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You’ll want to simmer it until the potatoes are tender. You can poke them with a fork to check – if the fork slides in easily, they’re ready!

Add the Kale and Finish

Alright, almost there! Add the chopped kale to the pot, cover it again, and let it simmer for just 5 minutes, until the kale is wilted. Don’t overcook the kale, or it’ll get mushy! Finally, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. This is important – taste it and adjust the seasoning until it’s *just* right for you. And that’s it! Your Portuguese kale soup is ready to serve. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Portuguese Kale Soup

Want to take your Portuguese kale soup from good to *amazing*? Here are a few of my secret weapons!

Sausage Selection for Portuguese Kale Soup

Okay, so the sausage is a big deal in this soup! I usually go for smoked sausage, but you’ve got options! Linguiça and chouriço are both Portuguese sausages that would be super authentic. Chorizo (Spanish or Mexican) also works great, giving it a bit of a spicy kick. And if you can’t find any of those, kielbasa is a totally acceptable substitute. It’s all about that smoky flavor, ya know?

Potato Preparation

This might sound silly, but cutting the potatoes into even chunks is *key*! If they’re all different sizes, some will be mushy while others are still hard. Aim for roughly 1-inch cubes – that way, they’ll all cook evenly. Trust me, it makes a difference!

Seasoning is Key

Seriously, don’t skip this step! Taste the soup *at the end* and add salt and pepper until it’s perfect. Every sausage is different, and some chicken stocks are saltier than others, so you really gotta taste and adjust. Don’t be afraid to add a little extra pepper for a bit of a zing!

Portuguese Kale Soup Variations

Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic recipe? Awesome! Now, let’s get a little crazy and try some fun variations on this Portuguese kale soup. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Spicy Portuguese Kale Soup

Want to kick up the heat? Easy! Just add more chili flakes when you’re cooking the garlic and onions. Or, for a real punch, add a dash of your favorite hot sauce right before serving. Sriracha? Tabasco? Go wild!

Vegetarian Portuguese Kale Soup

No sausage? No problem! Just skip the sausage altogether and add a teaspoon of smoked paprika when you add the garlic and chili flakes. It’ll give the soup that same smoky flavor, without the meat. You could even add some extra veggies, like carrots or celery!

Different Greens

Not a kale fan? (Gasp!) Okay, I get it. You can totally swap out the kale for other greens. Collard greens are a great option – they’re a little tougher than kale, so you might need to simmer them a bit longer. Spinach also works, but it wilts super quickly, so add it right at the end.

Serving Suggestions for Your Portuguese Kale Soup

Alright, your Portuguese kale soup is simmering away, smelling amazing… what to serve with it? Here are my go-to pairings:

Crusty Bread

Seriously, you *need* some crusty bread for dipping into that flavorful broth. I’m talking a nice, crusty baguette or sourdough. Toasted or not, it’s your call! Just make sure it’s good for soaking up all that goodness.

Side Salad

Want to keep things light and healthy? A simple side salad is perfect! I usually just toss together some mixed greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. It’s a nice, fresh contrast to the rich soup.

Storing and Reheating Portuguese Kale Soup

Okay, so you made a big batch of this amazing Portuguese kale soup (good for you!), and now you have leftovers? Awesome! Here’s how to keep it fresh and reheat it like a pro:

Storage Instructions

Just let the soup cool down a bit (don’t leave it out for more than two hours, though!), then pour it into an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge, and it’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Easy peasy!

Reheating Instructions

Wanna warm it up? You’ve got options! For a quick reheat, just microwave it for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nice and hot. Or, if you’ve got a little more time, heat it up on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. I think it tastes even *better* the next day!

Portuguese Kale Soup FAQs

Got questions about my Portuguese kale soup recipe? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked:

Can I freeze Portuguese Kale Soup?

Yep, you sure can! Just let the soup cool completely, then pour it into freezer-safe containers (leave a little room at the top, since liquids expand when frozen). It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight, or pop it straight into a pot on the stove and heat it gently. You might need to add a little extra broth, as it can sometimes get a bit thicker after freezing.

What kind of sausage is best for Portuguese Kale Soup?

Okay, so as I mentioned before, you’ve got options! For a super authentic Portuguese kale soup, use linguiça or chouriço. They’ve got a really unique flavor that’s just amazing. But if you can’t find those, chorizo (Spanish or Mexican) or even kielbasa will work just fine. Just make sure it’s smoked for that signature smoky flavor!

Can I use canned potatoes in Portuguese Kale Soup?

Okay, so I *always* prefer fresh potatoes, but if you’re in a pinch, you *can* use canned. Just drain and rinse them really well, and add them to the soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking, since they’re already cooked. Be careful not to overcook them, or they’ll get mushy! Honestly, though, fresh potatoes are worth the extra effort.

Is Portuguese Kale Soup gluten-free?

Good news! This Portuguese kale soup recipe is naturally gluten-free (as long as you’re using gluten-free sausage and chicken stock, so double-check those labels!). So if you’re avoiding gluten, you can enjoy this soup without any worries!

Nutritional Information for Portuguese Kale Soup

Okay, so here’s the deal: I’m not a nutritionist, and the nutritional info for this Portuguese kale soup can vary *a lot* depending on the exact ingredients you use (different brands, different sausages, ya know?). So, I can’t give you precise numbers, but just keep in mind that it’s an estimate. Enjoy the soup!

Enjoyed This Portuguese Kale Soup Recipe?

Awesome! I hope you loved it! If you did, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And hey, don’t forget to share it with your friends on social media! Happy cooking!