Easy Portuguese Bean Soup
A hearty Portuguese bean soup packed with sausage, ham hocks, fresh vegetables, and tomato sauce, perfect for comforting family meals and rich in bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put sausage, ham hocks, onion, and water into a large pot.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 1 hour.
- Remove meat from ham hocks.
- Put meat back into the soup and add carrots, potatoes, cabbage, and tomato sauce.
- Cover and continue cooking for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in undrained beans and cook a few more minutes, adding more water if needed.
- Refrigerate overnight if desired, skimming off excess grease before reheating.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier flavor, consider using smoked or spicy sausage. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with additional beans and vegetable broth. Adding a splash of vinegar or hot sauce at the end can enhance the soup's flavor. If you're short on time, precooked ham can replace the ham hocks, but allow for adequate simmering to achieve depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Easy Portuguese Bean Soup with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a filling meal. It pairs beautifully with Arroz Con Gandules for a delightful combination. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream to each bowl for an extra touch. Consider a side of sautéed greens for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water to adjust the consistency if needed. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months; just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Portuguese Bean Soup contains roughly 920 calories, with 18g protein, 125g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (55% of the Daily Value), potassium (46% of the Daily Value), and protein (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 825mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of beans in the soup?
Yes, you can substitute the red kidney beans with black beans or white beans if you prefer. Just ensure they are cooked and tender before adding them to the soup to maintain the right texture.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the soup overnight?
Refrigerating the soup overnight allows the flavors to meld and deepen, making it taste even better the next day. However, if you're in a hurry, you can enjoy it right after cooking.
What can I do if the soup is too thick?
If your soup turns out thicker than desired, simply add more water or broth to reach your preferred consistency. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes to heat through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).