If you’re craving a soul-warming bowl of goodness, look no further than this Portuguese Bean Soup Recipe. It’s a hearty and wholesome blend of tender beans, smoky sausage, and fresh vegetables simmered to perfection, delivering that comforting and rich flavor that Portuguese cuisine is famous for. Whether you’re welcoming chilly evenings or simply want to enjoy a satisfying meal, this soup is your new go-to, promising layers of taste with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Portuguese Bean Soup Recipe calls for simple, accessible ingredients that each bring their charm to the table. From the aromatic herbs and smoky meats to fresh veggies and nourishing broth, every item contributes to creating a soup that’s bursting with flavor and just the right texture.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The savory base that brings depth and warmth to the soup.
- 2 cups water: Helps balance the broth and ensures the soup isn’t too thick.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing and adding a silky richness.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and a soft texture after sautéing.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a gentle pungency and warmth.
- 2 medium carrots, sliced: Brings natural sweetness and a vibrant orange hue.
- 2 medium potatoes, diced: Adds heartiness and helps thicken the soup slightly.
- 1 cup smoked sausage, sliced: Imparts a smoky, savory element essential to Portuguese flavors.
- 1 cup ham, cubed: Provides tender meat pieces that enrich the soup’s taste.
- 1/2 cup bacon, chopped: Adds crispy, smoky bits that deepen the flavor profile.
- 1/2 cup diced tomato: Gives a slight tang and brightens the broth.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Earthy herb that enhances the overall aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a subtle, pine-like freshness.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- 1/2 cup kale, chopped: Gives a lovely pop of green and a nutritious bite.
- 1 bay leaf: Slow-cooked to infuse a delicate herbal fragrance.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a hint of spice if you want to amp up the flavor.
- Salt to taste: To balance and bring all the flavors together.
How to Make Portuguese Bean Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it turns soft and translucent. This step unlocks the natural sweetness of the onion, setting a flavorful foundation for the soup.
Step 2: Add Garlic for Warmth
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes. This infuses the oil with fragrant notes that will permeate the entire dish, giving it that cozy, inviting aroma.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Next, add the sliced carrots and diced potatoes. Cook these with occasional stirring for 3-4 minutes. This brief cooking helps soften them slightly, ensuring they’ll be perfectly tender after simmering while keeping their color and bite intact.
Step 4: Introduce the Meats
Now, fold in the smoked sausage slices, cubed ham, and chopped bacon. These flavorful proteins bring a smoky, savory punch that’s signature to this Portuguese Bean Soup Recipe. Stir everything well to blend their juices with the veggies.
Step 5: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth and water, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Then add diced tomatoes, dried oregano, thyme, ground black pepper, and the bay leaf. These seasonings boost the soup’s complexity and make each spoonful sing.
Step 6: Simmer Until Tender
Bring the pot to a boil, then lower the heat to let the soup simmer gently for 20-25 minutes. This lets the vegetables soften fully and allows the flavors from the meats and herbs to meld beautifully.
Step 7: Finish with Greens and Spice
Finally, stir in the chopped kale and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. The kale wilts quickly, adding freshness and a lovely texture contrast. Give everything a taste and adjust the salt as needed before a final 5-minute simmer.
Step 8: Remove the Bay Leaf and Serve
Don’t forget to fish out the bay leaf before serving. This final step ensures you get the herbal essence without accidentally biting into the tough leaf itself.
How to Serve Portuguese Bean Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top elevates the presentation and adds a fresh burst of flavor. A few cracks of black pepper or a wedge of crusty lemon on the side can brighten up the bowl beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serving this soup with rustic bread or warm cornbread makes it a complete meal, perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs nicely too, balancing the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve Portuguese Bean Soup Recipe in hollowed-out bread bowls or alongside a cheese platter with Manchego or other aged cheeses. This makes for a memorable and cozy dining experience that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Portuguese Bean Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the soup taste even better the next day.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Cool it down completely, then transfer into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months, making it a handy option for busy weeks.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can add a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. Microwave works too but stir halfway for even heating.
FAQs
Can I make this Portuguese Bean Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the smoked sausage, ham, and bacon for smoked paprika or liquid smoke for flavor, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra vegetables or beans to keep it hearty.
What type of beans work best in the soup?
While the recipe traditionally uses white beans like cannellini or navy beans, you can experiment with kidney beans or butter beans. Just make sure to soak and cook them properly or use canned beans for convenience.
Is it possible to make the soup spicier?
Yes! Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño while sautéing the onions and garlic. You can also serve with a sauce like piri piri on the side for those who love extra heat.
Can I prepare parts of this soup ahead of time?
You can chop vegetables and meats in advance and store them in the fridge. Even the sautéing steps can be done ahead, then simply combine everything and simmer when ready to serve.
What wine pairs well with Portuguese Bean Soup Recipe?
A medium-bodied red like a Portuguese red blend or even a Spanish Tempranillo complements the smoky meats and savory broth beautifully, enhancing the overall meal experience.
Final Thoughts
This Portuguese Bean Soup Recipe is an absolute treasure to have in your cooking repertoire. It’s hearty, full of character, and reminds you of home-cooked comfort at its finest. Give this recipe a try and savor every bowl—your kitchen will thank you for it!
Print
Portuguese Bean Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 1h 0m
- Total Time: 1h 15m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Portuguese
Description
A hearty and flavorful Portuguese Bean Soup combining tender vegetables, smoked sausage, ham, and bacon simmered in a savory broth with aromatic herbs and kale for added nutrition.
Ingredients
Broth and Liquids
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup diced tomato
- 1/2 cup kale, chopped
- 1 cup smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 cup ham, cubed
- 1/2 cup bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
Vegetables
Meats
Oils and Seasonings
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil to warm it.
- Sauté onions: Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook vegetables: Add sliced carrots and diced potatoes, cooking for another 3-4 minutes while stirring occasionally.
- Add meats: Add smoked sausage, cubed ham, and chopped bacon, stirring to combine well.
- Add broth and water: Pour in chicken broth and water, mixing all ingredients together.
- Add seasonings: Stir in diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried thyme, ground black pepper, and bay leaf.
- Simmer vegetables: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Add kale and heat through: Add chopped kale and red pepper flakes if using; stir until kale wilts.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and add salt as needed to balance flavors.
- Final simmer and serve: Let the soup simmer an additional 5 minutes, then remove the bay leaf before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes according to your taste preference.
- You can substitute kale with spinach or collard greens if desired.
- Use a low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content.
- For a vegetarian variation, omit the meats and use vegetable broth instead.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
