Back to School

Caldo Verde

Portuguese Sausage and Kale Soup

My cooking is dependent on the ingredients I have on hand. I aim for little prep time and the least use of utensils possible. So for this kale remix, I decided to make a Portuguese soup called Caldo Verde. It's simple to make, healthy, hardy, and has a little kick. Perfect for brisk fall weather.

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2-3 cloves of garlic (Pampered Chef Garlic Press)
• 3-4 potatoes (I used Japanese sweet potatoes)
• 4 sausages, preferably spicy, chopped
• 6 cups broth or stock
• 1 bunch kale, chopped
• salt, pepper, and water to taste

1. Chop sausage and brown in a deep pot while chopping onions and garlic
2. Remove sausage and sweat chopped onions and garlic
3. Add a little broth to deglaze the pot
4. Chop potatoes (with or without skin) and throw them in for a few minutes
5. Add broth and boil until potatoes are cooked while chopping kale
6. Remove from heat and mash potatoes or blend with mixer
7. Add more broth and water, chopped kale, and cooked sausage
8. Boil until greens are cooked to your liking
9. Add salt and pepper to taste

Fall reminds me of back to school shopping. You always got to get one staple item, one trendy item, and something unique. For me the staple is a good pair of boots, the trendy item is a colored skinny, and the something unique is my handmade cable knit scarf from Mama and this Cali Love necklace (stars on LA and the Bay).

Check out the homie Nicole, playing to the sunnier side of fall, with her neutral blazer (staple), colored skinnies (trend), and flowery flats and leafy accessories (unique).

Check out the homie Amelia, keeping it classy, in a black blazer (staple), burnt sienna cords (trend), and patterned silk scarf (unique).

What are your fall staple, trend, and something unique?

<3 C

ADDITION: September 26, 2012
A friend sent me this after reading the blog post, more great kale ideas!
Thanks, Emily T.