A Taste of Portugal, Caldo Verde Recipe

Portugal is a wonderful country to throw caution to1/2 lb. (227g) linguica or chorico (chopped into slivers)
the wind and enjoy the national cuisine.1.5 quart water
Don't expect to enjoy 'haute cuisine" fare first thingPinch of low sodium salt
in the day however, the portuguese often skip a full3 lg. potatoes, cubedthree carrots, chopped into 1"
breakfast , normally going for a continental stylecubes
breakfast. In truth you will usually see locals enjoying1.5 lb kale, chopped, or 1 pack frozen kale, defrosted
a light snack in a cafe on their way to work.1/2 cabbage (finely chopped)
Lunchtime and Evening meals are a quite different1/2 pkg. macaroni (preferably elbow)
and hugely pleasing experience.1 can white kidney beans (any white beans will do)
The locals really love their cooking, and you can1 chili pepper, (remove seeds), chopped
expect to be offered large portions when dining. The1/3 tsp paprika
midday meal might be a pleasant, but time consuming1 tsp Olive Oil
business, usually enjoyed between 1.00pm andMethod:
3.00pm, and regardless of the weather, the localPeel and cut up the root vegetables.
inhabitants eat cooked food in cafes or restaurants.Fill a large saucepan with the water and add the
The evening meal is enjoyed between 7pm and 9pm,cubed beef, portuguese sausage and sea salt.
and again, normally is a hot meal.Bring to a rolling boil and keep covered until meat and
The charm of Portuguese cuisine is often describedportuguese sausage are barely tender.
as 'simple ingredients, perfectly prepared'.Add the the hot pepper, carrots, beans, (if using
Portuguese cooking is in general based on superbthem), paprika, chopped cabbage & kale and stir the
quality, fresh regional produce, usually featuring fish,pan well.
meat, olive oil, tomatoes and spices.Recover and cook for 3/4 of an hour or until
A good portuguese meal should start with a soup.chopped kale is cooked.
The best known portuguese soup, is caldo verde, aWhen the chopped kale is ready, add the olive oil
wholesome, spicy soup made from shredded kale,chopped potatoes & macaroni.
potatoes and chourio or linguica sausage. Caldo VerdeKeep stirring the kale soup to make sure that the
comes from the Minho region, but is widely availablechopped potatoes and macaroni don't end up stuck
anywhere in Portugal, from lisbon to the algarveto the base of the pot.
holiday resorts.Cook slowly (keeping the saucepan lid on) until
Here is a Recipe for caldo verde that will let youpotatoes & macaroni pasta are ready to eat.
bring the taste of portugal back home with youCaldo verde can be served as a first course or as a
Portuguese kale soup recipefilling main course.
1 pound beef, stewing (cut into one inch chunks)