Description
Portuguese Bean Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish with roots in Portuguese cuisine, popular in Hawaii. It combines beans, savory meats, and aromatic spices for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb Portuguese sausage (or smoked sausage)
- 1 lb pork shoulder, cubed
- 2 cups mixed dried beans (such as red, black, and white beans), soaked overnight
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook the Portuguese sausage until browned. Remove and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Add cubed pork shoulder to the pot. Brown the meat on all sides, then remove and set aside with the sausage.
- In the same pot, add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until they soften, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the soaked beans. Stir well to combine.
- Add the diced tomatoes, paprika, oregano, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
- Return the sausage and pork to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1-1.5 hours or until the beans are tender.
- Stir in the diced potatoes and continue cooking for another 20-30 minutes, until the potatoes are cooked through.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as necessary. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Experiment with spices like cumin or chili powder for a unique flavor twist.
- Use fresh vegetables for a brighter taste and enhanced flavor.
- Drizzle with hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon before serving for extra zing.
- Balance richness by adding more vegetables or a splash of vinegar.
- Garnish creatively with sliced green onions or croutons for added texture.
- This soup tastes even better the next day.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
- Portuguese Bean Soup freezes well; store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20-30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Portuguese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Protein: 22g
Keywords: Portuguese Bean Soup, Incredible Portuguese Bean Soup, Authentic Portuguese Bean Soup, Hearty Portuguese Bean Soup, Traditional Portuguese Bean Soup, Easy Portuguese Bean Soup Recipe, Portuguese Bean Soup ingredients, Portuguese Bean Soup flavor