St. Louis Style Kale Soup

Ingredients

In this St. Louis adaptation of Caldo verde, we incorporate the flavors of St. Louis by adding smoky bacon and savory sausage to the traditional Portuguese recipe. These additions enhance the richness and depth of flavors, creating a comforting and soulful soup that reflects the essence of St. Louis cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Caldo verde, so you can check it out.

• 4 cups (946ml) chicken broth 4 cups (946ml) chicken broth
• 1 pound (450g) kale, stems removed and leaves thinly sliced 1 pound (450g) kale, stems removed and leaves thinly sliced
• 4 slices of bacon, diced 4 slices of bacon, diced
• 1 pound (450g) smoked sausage, sliced 1 pound (450g) smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
2. 2.
   Add the onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until they become translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the sliced sausage to the pot and cook until lightly browned.
4. 4.
   Stir in the diced potatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few minutes until the potatoes are slightly softened.
5. 5.
   Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
6. 6.
   Add the sliced kale to the pot and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the kale is wilted and tender.
7. 7.
   Serve the St. Louis Style Kale Soup hot, garnished with the crispy bacon.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Kale — Make sure to remove the tough stems before slicing the kale leaves. This will ensure a tender texture in the soup.
• Smoked sausage — Look for a high-quality smoked sausage with robust flavors to enhance the overall taste of the soup.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup.
• Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup before adding the kale.

Serving advice

Serve the St. Louis Style Kale Soup in warm bowls, garnished with the crispy bacon. Accompany it with a slice of crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the soup before serving. The vibrant green color of the parsley will beautifully complement the kale.