Portuguese Ham-Kidney Bean Soup
A hearty Portuguese ham and kidney bean soup with savory smoked ham, tender vegetables, and rich tomato flavors, perfect for cozy family dinners or comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook ham in water to cover by 1 inch in a 2-quart saucepan for 30 minutes or until tender.
- Add dried kidney beans to the saucepan.
- Cook, covered, until the beans are half-cooked.
- Add tomato sauce, chopped celery, chopped onion, chopped garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add chopped carrots and potatoes.
- Simmer for 20 minutes longer or until vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a bone-in smoked ham hock instead of cubed ham. If you're short on time, canned kidney beans can be used; just reduce the cooking time. You can also add a bay leaf for extra depth or substitute with white beans if desired. This soup can be easily adjusted to include leftover vegetables like those from Kielbasa And Cabbage.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple side salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside cornbread or a side of Southern-Style Black-Eyed Peas for a comforting and filling dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened. It also freezes well; just make sure to leave some space in the container as the soup will expand when frozen.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Portuguese Ham-Kidney Bean Soup contains roughly 604 calories, with 19g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), potassium (39% of the Daily Value), and protein (37% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1149mg per serving (50% 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 other types of beans?
Yes, you can substitute kidney beans with other beans such as pinto or cannellini beans. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different beans may have different cooking times.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can add smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor of ham and include more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition.
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).