Portuguese Red Bean Soup
A hearty Portuguese red bean soup featuring tender ham shanks, sausage, and vegetables, rich in flavor and perfect for comforting meals or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the ham shanks, sausage, and soup bones in enough water to cover.
- When the meat is almost done, add the beans and cook until they are tender.
- Fry the sliced onion and minced parsley in a frypan until tender, then add to the soup stock.
- Add potatoes and salt to taste.
- Add other vegetables such as cabbage and carrots as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked ham hocks. If you can't find linguica, any smoky sausage will work well as a substitution. You can also add some chopped collards for added nutrition and flavor. If using dried beans, ensure they are soaked overnight for better cooking results. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, particularly if using salted meats.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional minced parsley for freshness. It pairs beautifully with Potted Red Cabbage or crusty bread for a complete meal. For a heartier addition, consider serving it alongside Ham Rollups or a simple green salad. This dish is perfect for chilly evenings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Portuguese Red Bean Soup contains roughly 557 calories, with 11g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (58% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and potassium (38% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can use canned red beans instead of dried. If you do, add them to the soup in the last 30 minutes of cooking to heat through. This saves time while still maintaining a delicious flavor.
What other vegetables can I add to the soup?
Feel free to customize the soup by adding vegetables like diced carrots, potatoes, or even kale. These additions will enhance the nutrition and flavor profile, making the soup even heartier.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the soup?
If you prefer a spicier soup, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or dicing a jalapeño along with the onions. Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance for a perfectly balanced dish.
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).