Caldo Verde: Cozy and Quick Weeknight Soup
Week of September 14, 2026
Weeknight Score: 14/20 (A−)
This soup is hearty and simple, perfect for a busy night.
- Time
- 3/4
- Ready in 31 to 45 minutes.
- Effort
- 2/4
- It involves several steps and needs some attention while cooking.
- Cleanup
- 2/4
- It uses a pot, a separate pan for chorizo, and a cutting board.
- Shopping
- 4/4
- 5 items to buy beyond pantry staples.
- Payoff
- 3/4
- Feeds four or five and reheats fine. Budget-friendly per serving.
Our Weeknight Score rates how easily a recipe fits a busy weeknight: time, effort, cleanup, shopping and leftovers. It is not a rating of taste, nutrition or dietary suitability.
How we score recipes · Scored with rubric v1.1
Why we picked it
Caldo Verde is warming and satisfying, making it ideal for cooler evenings. The combination of kale and chorizo adds flavor and depth, while the potato base ensures it's filling. Plus, it's straightforward to prepare, even on a hectic weeknight.
Who it's for
This recipe is great for families seeking a comforting meal without too much fuss. It suits cooks who enjoy one-pot meals and those who appreciate bold flavors.
What you'll need
Gather onions, carrots, garlic, potatoes, kale, olive oil, chorizo, crushed red pepper, and broth or bouillon cubes. Fresh, high-quality ingredients will enhance the flavors.
Make it easier
To save time, chop the vegetables ahead of your busy night. You can even prep the chorizo in advance. Using pre-packaged chopped kale can also cut down on prep time. Consider making a larger batch to have leftovers for lunch.