Best 9 Authentic Portuguese Bean Soup Recipes

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In the realm of Portuguese cuisine, few dishes embody the nation's culinary heritage and comforting flavors quite like the beloved sopa de feijão, or Portuguese bean soup. This hearty and flavorful soup is a symphony of textures and tastes, featuring slow-cooked beans, a rich broth, and an array of aromatic vegetables. Whether you're seeking a delightful main course, a cozy winter warmer, or a taste of authentic Portuguese cuisine, this comprehensive guide will take you on a culinary journey through the art of preparing sopa de feijão.

Within this culinary exploration, you'll find a diverse collection of recipes that cater to various preferences and dietary restrictions. From the classic sopa de feijão branca, made with tender white beans, to the vibrant sopa de feijão vermelho, featuring vibrant red beans, each recipe offers a unique take on this cherished dish. For those seeking a vegan or vegetarian alternative, the sopa de feijão verde provides a delectable option crafted with green beans.

Beyond the traditional recipes, this guide introduces innovative renditions that add a modern twist to the classic sopa de feijão. The sopa de feijão com couve kale adds a layer of verdant flavor with the inclusion of kale, while the sopa de feijão com enchidos incorporates a medley of traditional Portuguese sausages for a smoky and savory depth. And for a truly special occasion, the sopa de feijão à Transmontana showcases the culinary traditions of the Trás-os-Montes region with its distinct blend of spices and ingredients.

Each recipe is meticulously detailed, guiding you through the process with clear instructions and helpful tips. From selecting the perfect beans to mastering the art of slow-cooking, you'll discover the secrets to creating a truly exceptional sopa de feijão. Additionally, you'll find insights into the cultural significance of this dish and its place in Portuguese culinary history.

So, embark on this culinary adventure and let the enticing aromas of sopa de feijão fill your kitchen. With this comprehensive guide as your companion, you'll be able to savor the authentic flavors of Portugal and create a memorable dining experience for your loved ones.

Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!

EASY PORTUGUESE-STYLE BEAN SOUP



Easy Portuguese-Style Bean Soup image

One day I was looking at Portuguese recipes and decided to put together a bean soup that embraced the bright and spicy flavors of Portugal. My family liked it so much, it became a classic in our household. To save time and work, the sausage, vegetables and herbs can all be prepped in minutes with a food processor. -Steven Vance, Woodland, Washington

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 7h30m

Yield 17 servings (4-1/4 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 23

4 cans (15-1/2 ounces each) navy beans, rinsed and drained
5 cups chicken stock
1 pound linguica sausage or smoked sausage, thinly sliced
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) petite diced tomatoes, undrained
1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced
1 large sweet red pepper, thinly sliced
2 celery ribs, thinly sliced
2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
1 cup dry white wine or additional chicken stock
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 bay leaves
1 orange zest strip (3 inches)
1 lemon zest strip (3 inches)
1 tablespoon sweet paprika
1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce
1 teaspoon dried savory
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup minced fresh cilantro
1/2 cup minced fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Place the first 20 ingredients in a 7-qt. slow cooker. Cook, covered, on low 7-9 hours or until vegetables are tender. Remove bay leaves and orange and lemon zest strips., Transfer 4 cups soup to a blender; cool slightly. Cover; process until smooth. Return to slow cooker; add green onions, cilantro and parsley. Heat through., Freeze option: Freeze cooled soup in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally; add a little broth if necessary.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 235 calories, Fat 8g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 18mg cholesterol, Sodium 893mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 14g protein.

PORTUGUESE BEAN SOUP



Portuguese Bean Soup image

Provided by Kathy Chan

Time 2h15m

Number Of Ingredients 10

1.5 pounds smoked ham hocks (about 4 pieces)
1 large onion, diced
2 large carrots, diced
2 large potatoes, diced
2 15-ounce cans kidney beans
1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
1 10-ounce Portuguese sausage stick
1 small head of cabbage (napa or green), chopped
1 cup macaroni pasta, uncooked

Steps:

  • First, make the ham hock stock: put the ham hocks in a large pot with 2.5 quarts of water. Bring the water to a boil, then turn the heat down to low. Put on a lid on top, and let cook on low for 1.5 hours.
  • Remove the ham hocks to a cutting board and let cool. Once cooled, cut off the meat and skin from the bone. Dice the meat and skin into small pieces and set aside.
  • Skim the fat off the top of the ham hock stock. Bring the stock back to a boil and add in the cans of diced tomatoes and tomato sauce.
  • Bring the soup back to a boil, and add the diced ham hocks back in. Then add the diced onions, carrots, and potatoes.
  • Bring the soup back up to a boil, and add in the kidney beans, Portuguese sausage, cabbage, and macaroni noodles.
  • Let the soup cook on medium-low heat for another 30 minutes. Season to taste with salt and lots of pepper. Enjoy!

PORTUGUESE BEAN SOUP



Portuguese Bean Soup image

Hearty cold weather comfort food. So ono! I like to serve this with Pao Doce (Portuguese sweet bread)for sopping up every last bit of this flavorful and delicious soup. A good linguica (Portuguese sausage) really brings the flavor with its seasoning, along with the ham hocks, adds to the richness of the dish. Saboroso!

Provided by Laura Manuel-Arrighi

Categories     Bean Soups

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 lb ham hocks
1 lb portuguese sausage, diced or cubed (i prefer the hot ones)
3 can(s) kidney beans or2 1/2 - 3 cups dried small red beans, soaked in water overnight and drained
2 large potatoes, cubed
3 large carrots, diced
1 medium round (yellow/spanish) onion, chopped
1 c celery, chopped
1 medium cabbage head, chopped or cubed
1 can(s) crushed tomatoes (16 ounces)
1 can(s) tomato sauce (16 ounces)
1 c macaroni, uncooked
3 clove garlic, minced (or granulated if desired)
1 Tbsp sugar
salt and pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • 1. Boil ham hocks in 2 quarts water until tender (save stock). Cut meat from the bones.
  • 2. Bring ham stock to a boil and add the cut meat and all the remaining ingredients except the cabbage. Simmer for 1 hour, stirring frequently.
  • 3. If too thick, add a little water. Lastly, add the cabbage, cook until tender.

PORTUGUESE BEAN SOUP II



Portuguese Bean Soup II image

This is a Hawaii favorite. Hearty and full of flavor.

Provided by dewny (dewny)

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Noodle Soup Recipes

Time 3h

Yield 15

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 pounds spicy Portuguese sausage, sliced
1 pound ham hocks
1 onion, sliced
2 quarts water
2 carrots, diced
3 potatoes, diced
1 small head cabbage, chopped
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
2 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans
1 (16 ounce) package macaroni

Steps:

  • In a large pot over low heat, combine sausage, ham hocks, onion and water. Cover and simmer 1 hour.
  • Remove ham hock from soup, remove meat, tear into small pieces, and return meat to pot. Stir in carrots, potatoes, cabbage and tomato sauce. Cover and continue cooking 60 to 90 minutes more.
  • Stir in beans and pasta, adding more water as needed, and cook until heated through and pasta is tender, 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 572.8 calories, Carbohydrate 45 g, Cholesterol 73.8 mg, Fat 30.6 g, Fiber 6.9 g, Protein 28.7 g, SaturatedFat 11.1 g, Sodium 1083.7 mg, Sugar 3.2 g

GRANDMA'S PORTUGUESE SOUP



Grandma's Portuguese Soup image

Portuguese linguica, cabbage, and pinto beans come together in a traditional Portuguese soup. This recipe is from my grandmother's grandmother, straight from Portugal. You will not find a more delicious Portuguese soup recipe! This recipe will feed 4 adults easily. It serves well alone or with a good bread.

Provided by Nate Barnes

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Beans and Peas

Time 9h45m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 pound dried pinto beans
2 ham hocks
1 large onion, diced
water to cover
7 ounces linguica sausage (such as Silva®), sliced
1 small head cabbage - quartered, cored, and thinly sliced
1 large potato, cubed
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Place beans in a large pot and cover with water. Soak 8 hours to overnight.
  • Drain and rinse beans and return them to the pot. Add ham hocks and onion. Add enough water to cover ham hocks. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until beans are tender, 1 to 2 hours.
  • Remove ham hocks from soup and separate the meat from the bones. Return meat to the pot and discard bones. Add sausage, cabbage, potato, and tomato sauce to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook until cabbage is softened, 30 to 45 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1023.9 calories, Carbohydrate 104.9 g, Cholesterol 111.1 mg, Fat 41.6 g, Fiber 25.5 g, Protein 58.5 g, SaturatedFat 14.7 g, Sodium 1048.7 mg, Sugar 12.6 g

PORTUGUESE BEAN SOUP



Portuguese Bean Soup image

A healthy, delicious and filling traditional Portuguese dish passed down from my grandmother.

Provided by PIKALA

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Beans and Peas

Time 2h50m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 ham hock
1 (10 ounce) linguica sausage, sliced
1 onion, minced
2 quarts water
4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 celery rib, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 (15 ounce) can stewed tomatoes
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
½ head cabbage, thinly sliced
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans

Steps:

  • Place ham hock, linguica, onion, and water into a Dutch oven over high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
  • Remove meat from ham hock, chop, and return to soup. Stir in potatoes, celery, carrots, stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and garlic. Cover, and continue simmering for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir in cabbage and kidney beans, cook until the cabbage has softened, about 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 267.9 calories, Carbohydrate 25.6 g, Cholesterol 32.1 mg, Fat 12.9 g, Fiber 5.9 g, Protein 13.3 g, SaturatedFat 4.7 g, Sodium 581.2 mg, Sugar 4.7 g

PUNAHOU PORTUGUESE BEAN SOUP



Punahou Portuguese Bean Soup image

This is the Portuguese Bean Soup that is sold at the annual Punahou Carnival which is always held in February. It it thick, and delicious! I found this recipe in the Honolulu Starbulletin and have used it with a large ham bone (leftover from Easter dinner) instead of ham hocks. Also, in Hawaii, we can find Portuguese sausage which is the same as linguica sausage.

Provided by MasakoHI

Categories     < 4 Hours

Time 3h30m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 -2 lb ham hocks or 1 -2 lb ham bone
2 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 large potatoes, cubed
3 large carrots, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 (16 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (16 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 lb linguica sausage, cubed
1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 medium head of cabbage, cubed

Steps:

  • Boil ham hocks or ham bone in 2 quarts of water until tender (save stock). Cut meat from the bones.
  • Bring ham stock to a boil and add the cut meat and all the remaining ingredients except the cabbage.
  • Simmer for 1 - 2 hours, stirring frequently.
  • If too thick, add a little water.
  • Add the cabbage, cook another hour until tender.
  • Add more salt and pepper if needed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 233.1, Fat 1.1, SaturatedFat 0.2, Sodium 857.8, Carbohydrate 49, Fiber 9.8, Sugar 11.9, Protein 9.9

AZORE-STYLE FEIJOS (BEANS)



Azore-Style Feijos (Beans) image

An Old World bean soup recipe given to me by my husband's cousin's grandparents who are from the Portuguese Azore Islands. You can follow the spice trade route with this recipe. Pity that pink beans are not used much in cooking. They are so delicious! This makes the house smell so good! Can easily be prepared vegetarian.

Provided by COOKGIRl

Categories     Beans

Time 1h40m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 cups dried pink beans, picked over and soaked
8 cups water
3 -4 slices bacon, crisply cooked (substitute ham hock, read NOTE*)
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon coriander seed
5 -6 whole cloves
8 whole allspice
2 bay leaves
6 ounces tomatoes (diced or pureed)
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • *NOTE: Can also substitute sausage for the bacon or ham hock. Portuguese linguica, Spanish chorizo or Louisiana andouille, vegetarian "soyrizo", etc. are suggestions. My preference being bacon as I don't care for sausage or ham hock.
  • For additional flavor, I usually dry roast the spices in a castiron skillet.
  • Soak the beans overnight. Cook the bacon or ham hock and drain on paper towel. Next saute the onion and garlic. Once cooled, break up the bacon into little pieces.
  • In large Dutch oven or in crock pot, combine all the ingredients, including the water, excluding the salt. If using a Dutch oven, simmer the beans on medium-low for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until beans are soft.
  • If using a crock pot simmer on low 8 hours or until beans are soft. Salt the beans once cooked.
  • Adjust seasoning before serving. Now season with salt.
  • Remove whole cloves, cinnamon stick and whole allspice.
  • Great with freshly baked, crusty bread. Tastes even better if prepared one day ahead then warmed.

PORTUGUESE KALE SOUP



Portuguese Kale Soup image

The best Portuguese soup made by my mother, Christina L. Pacheco

Provided by John J. Pacheco

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Vegetable Soup Recipes     Kale Soup Recipes

Time 8h

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 9

½ pound dried white pea beans
½ pound chorizo sausage, thinly sliced
1 pound beef soup bones
1 quart water
1 medium head cabbage, chopped
2 bunches kale - rinsed, dried and chopped
5 potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 quart hot water or as needed
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Soak beans in twice their volume of water 8 hours or overnight.
  • In a large pot, place drained beans, chorizo, soup bones and 1 quart water (or more as needed to cover). Cook over medium heat until beans are just beginning to be tender, 1 hour.
  • Stir in cabbage, kale, potatoes and enough hot water to cover. Cook until potatoes are tender, 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 302.2 calories, Carbohydrate 42.2 g, Cholesterol 20 mg, Fat 9.4 g, Fiber 8.4 g, Protein 14.9 g, SaturatedFat 3.4 g, Sodium 321.1 mg, Sugar 4.4 g

Tips:

  • Use dried beans for a more authentic flavor and texture. If using canned beans, be sure to rinse and drain them well before adding to the soup.
  • Soak the beans overnight before cooking. This will help to reduce the cooking time and make the beans more digestible.
  • Use a variety of vegetables in your soup. This will add flavor and color. Some good options include carrots, celery, onions, potatoes, and kale.
  • Season the soup to taste with salt, pepper, and garlic. You can also add other spices, such as cumin, paprika, or oregano.
  • Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or cornbread.

Conclusion:

Portuguese Bean Soup is a hearty and flavorful soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you are looking for a comforting and delicious soup, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!

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