Wyndham Wisdom
Dining In: Algarve, Portugal
THIS EASY DISH WILL GIVE YOU A TASTE OF THE ALGARVE, WHEREVER YOU FIND YOURSELF
BY REGINA SCHRAMBLING
Caldo verde (literally, green soup) is to Portugal what gazpacho is to Spain, menudo is to Mexico and borscht is to Russia. It originated in Portugal's far north but is now found all over, particularly in the Algarve, along the coast. While you can order it in any restaurant, it's easily replicated in even the simplest kitchen.
Caldo verde takes its color from the dark-hued Galician cabbage. The ingredients are easy to find, especially at the covered market, dating back to 1908, in the inland town of Loulé. Beyond a heavy pot, all you really need is a sharp knife and a skillet. To cut the greens filament-thin, first carve away the tough stems, then stack a half-dozen or so leaves, roll them into a tight cylinder and slice crosswise. If you want, save the olive oil the sausage was crisped in and use it to fry the bread slices. These will nearly melt into the soup, enriching it while leaving its Algarve identity intact.
CALDO VERDE
4 tbsp. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1½ tsp. coarse sea salt (or more)
1 lb. Yukon Gold potatoes (about 3),
peeled and thinly sliced
8 oz. Galician cabbage, kale or
mustard greens, julienned
8 oz. Portuguese chouriço
(or Spanish chorizo), sliced
4 slices sturdy Portuguese bread
Heat 3 tbsp. oil in a pot over medium heat. Add garlic, onion and 1 tsp. of salt. Sauté until soft, about 10 min. Add potatoes and ½ tsp. salt and sauté 5 min., turning slices often. Stir in 6 cups water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer until potatoes are soft. Remove from heat and mash well.
Heat 1 tbsp. oil in a skillet and sauté sausage until browned. Drain on paper towel. Lay the bread in the hot fat and fry until toasted.
Just before serving, return pot to medium heat, add chouriço and simmer 5 min. Add greens and cook just until wilted, about 3 min. Ladle into soup bowls; garnish with the bread. Serves 4.
STAY
RCI-affiliated resorts in
Portugal's Algarve include
BALAIA PARK
Traditional villas and apartments
amid olive and pine trees. Balaia
Golf Village, Sitio da Balaia, Quinta
da Semina, Albufeira
HOTEL AP. VILA GALE ATLANTICO
In a quiet seaside village. Praia da Gale,
Apartado 108, Albufeira
CLUBE PRAIA DA OURA
On Golden Beach, with two pools,
a bowling green and a disco. Praia
da Oura, Apartado 827, Albufeira
For more information,
visit RCI.com or call
Weeks: 800-338-7777
Points: 877-968-7476
Club Members, please
call your specific Club
or RCI telephone number.
