Portuguese Bean Soup(Hawaiian Style)
A hearty Hawaiian-style Portuguese bean soup featuring savory sausage, ham hock, beans, cabbage, and tomatoes, perfect for comforting gatherings and flavorful, satisfying meals.
Ingredients
- 1 Portuguese sausage, cut into bite-sized pieces ⓘ
- 1 meaty ham hock ⓘ
- 2 cans kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 can garbanzo beans ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 large garlic, chopped
- 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 small head cabbage, chopped ⓘ
- 2 large carrots, chopped into bite-sized pieces ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the Portuguese sausage and ham hock with the chopped onion and garlic in a large pot.
- Add the stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and enough water to cover the ingredients. Bring to a simmer and cook until the ham hock is tender.
- Add the chopped carrots and both kinds of beans to the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
- About 5 minutes before serving, add the chopped cabbage to the soup and cook until tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using smoked paprika or adding a bay leaf while simmering. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage and ham hock with smoked tofu or tempeh. Adjust the beans to your liking; cannellini beans or black beans can also work well. Remember to taste as you go and customize the seasoning to suit your palate.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Portuguese bean soup with crusty bread or over steamed rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Aunt Ludie'S Canned Green Beans for a complete dinner. For a touch of freshness, consider garnishing with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of parsley before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the soup. It also freezes well; just be sure to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Portuguese Bean Soup(Hawaiian Style) contains roughly 1081 calories, with 29g protein, 165g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (291% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (113% of the Daily Value), and protein (57% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1407mg per serving (61% 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 this recipe?
Absolutely! While kidney and garbanzo beans are traditional, feel free to mix in your favorites. Black beans, pinto beans, or even lentils can add a unique twist to the soup. Just ensure they are cooked or canned for the best texture.
How do I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, you can include diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes while browning the sausage. Another option is to serve individual bowls with hot sauce on the side, allowing everyone to customize their spice level.
Is there a way to thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot as the soup simmers. Alternatively, blending a small portion of the soup and returning it to the pot will create a creamier texture without altering the flavor.
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).