Portuguese Soup
Portuguese Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring smoked sausage, cabbage, potatoes, and beans in a savory beef broth. Its rich taste is balanced with vinegar and ketchup, making it perfect for comforting meals. Ideal for those who enjoy bold, smoky flavors in a filling, nutritious soup.
Ingredients
- 2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 6 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 lb. garlic flavored smoked pork sausage, cut into bite-size pieces ⓘ
- 10 c. beef stock ⓘ
- 1 (No. 303) can kidney beans, not drained ⓘ
- 1 head cabbage, cored and cut into medium size pieces ⓘ
- 10 small new potatoes, scrubbed and quartered ⓘ
- 1/4 c. vinegar ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) ketchup ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion and minced garlic in oil until transparent.
- Add sausage and brown lightly.
- Add beef stock, kidney beans, cabbage, potatoes, vinegar, and ketchup.
- Bring to a boil, stirring often.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes or more, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, you can substitute the garlic flavored smoked pork sausage with chorizo or another type of smoked sausage. If you prefer a vegetarian option, use a plant-based sausage and vegetable broth instead of beef stock. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or some fresh herbs like thyme during simmering.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Portuguese soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Yorkshire Pudding for a delightful texture contrast. Garnish with fresh parsley or a splash of vinegar before serving for added freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover to prevent splatters.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Portuguese Soup contains roughly 1664 calories, with 35g protein, 253g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (111% of the Daily Value), potassium (106% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (98% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2425mg per serving (105% 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 soup?
Yes, you can substitute kidney beans with other varieties like black beans or white beans, depending on your preference. Just ensure they are cooked or canned for proper texture and flavor.
Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can sauté the onions and garlic, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours for a flavorful meal.
What can I do if the soup is too thick?
If your soup turns out too thick, simply add more beef stock or water until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well and allow it to simmer for a few more minutes to blend the flavors.
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).