Planet Portugal

Also called “Green Soup”, this seems to be the soup of choice at many Portuguese family get togethers and is pretty easy to make!

Makes 6 to 8 servings

1 large garlic clove, minced and peeled

4 tablespoons olive oil

1 large yellow onion

2 quarts cold water

6 large potatoes, sliced thin and peeled

6 ounces chourico, chorizo, pepperoni, or other dry garlicky sausage, sliced thin

1 pound collards, turnip greens, or kale, washed, trimmed of coarse stems and veins, then sliced filament thin.

Saute the onion and garlic in 3 tablespoons pf the oil in a large heavy sauce pan 2 to 3 minutes over moderate heat until they begin to color and turn gassy; do not brown or they will turn bitter. Add the potatoes and sauté stirring constantly, 2 to 3 minutes, until they begin to color also. Add the water, cover, and boil gently over moderate heat 20 to 25 minutes until the potatoes are mushy. Meanwhile, fry the sausage in a  medium skillet over low heat for 10 to 2 minutes until most of the fat has cooked out; drain well and reserve.

When the potatoes are soft, remove the pan from the stove and with a potato masher, mash the potatoes right in the pan in the soup mixture. Add the sausage, salt, and pepper, return to moderate heat, cover, and simmer 5 minutes. Add the collards and simmer uncovered 5 minutes until tender ad the color of jade. Mix in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, and taste the soup for salt and pepper.

Then….. SERVE and ENJOY!