Portuguese Bean Soup

There are few dishes as comforting and satisfying as a steaming bowl of Portuguese Bean Soup. Rich, savory, and full of bold flavors, this beloved recipe has roots in Portuguese cuisine but is especially popular in Hawaii, where it has become a staple at family gatherings, community potlucks, and holiday celebrations.

The beauty of Portuguese Bean Soup lies in its depth of flavor and nourishing heartiness. With smoky sausage, tender beans, a tomato-rich broth, and an array of vegetables, every spoonful feels like a warm hug. It’s rustic cooking at its best—simple ingredients combined with patience and love to create a meal that satisfies both body and soul.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic behind Portuguese Bean Soup comes from layering flavors and balancing textures.

Smoky Sausage Base – Linguiça (Portuguese sausage) or chorizo is the heart of the recipe, infusing the broth with savory richness.

Beans for Hearty Comfort – Kidney beans or pinto beans give body, protein, and creaminess.

Tomatoes for Depth – Crushed tomatoes or tomato paste create a rich, tangy backdrop.

Vegetables for Freshness – Cabbage, carrots, celery, and potatoes bring balance and nutrition.

Seasoning that Shines – Garlic, onions, bay leaves, and pepper elevate the soup without overcomplicating it.

The result is a one-pot wonder that is both rustic and deeply flavorful, making Portuguese Bean Soup perfect for family dinners or big gatherings.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Portuguese Bean Soup:

1 lb Portuguese sausage (linguiça or chorizo), sliced – smoky and flavorful.

1 ham hock or smoked ham bone – adds depth and richness.

1 large onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

4 carrots, sliced

3 celery stalks, chopped

3 potatoes, peeled and diced

1 small head of cabbage, shredded

2 cans (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes

6 cups chicken or beef broth

2 bay leaves

1 tsp dried oregano

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Olive oil, for sautéing

Optional Add-ins: macaroni pasta, chili flakes, or fresh parsley for garnish.

Equipment Needed

Large soup pot or Dutch oven

Wooden spoon for stirring

Ladle for serving

Cutting board & sharp knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Sausage

Heat a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced Portuguese sausage and cook until browned and fragrant. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened. Add ham hock for extra depth.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Beans

Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and broth. Bring to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Simmer Slowly

Reduce heat to low, add bay leaves and oregano, and let the soup simmer for 45–60 minutes. This allows flavors to meld and the ham hock to enrich the broth.

Step 5: Add Potatoes and Cabbage

Add diced potatoes and shredded cabbage. Cook another 20–25 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Step 6: Return Sausage

Stir in the browned sausage and drained kidney beans. Simmer for 10 more minutes.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

Season with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaves and ham hock before serving.

Now you have a pot of Portuguese Bean Soup ready to enjoy!

Tips for Success

Use Linguiça if Available – Authentic Portuguese sausage gives the soup its signature taste.

Don’t Rush the Simmer – Slow cooking deepens flavors.

Balance the Beans – Too many can overpower; two cans are perfect.

Texture Trick – Slightly mash a few beans for creaminess without cream.

Make It Ahead – The flavors develop even more after a night in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

Portuguese Bean Soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:

Crusty bread or cornbread

A side salad with vinaigrette

Rice for a more filling plate

A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for richness

A squeeze of lemon for brightness

This makes Portuguese Bean Soup versatile for both casual family meals and festive gatherings.

Variations

With Pasta: Add elbow macaroni in the last 15 minutes for a Hawaiian-style twist.

Vegetarian Version: Skip the sausage and ham, and use vegetable broth with extra beans.

Spicy Kick: Use spicy chorizo or add chili flakes.

Low-Carb: Omit potatoes and beans, and load up on cabbage and zucchini.

Each variation gives a unique spin while keeping the heart of Portuguese Bean Soup intact.

Storage & Make Ahead

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat; add a splash of broth if too thick.

Nutrition (Approx. per serving, 1 cup)

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 15g
• Carbs: 26g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sodium: 890mg

Balanced and hearty, Portuguese Bean Soup provides comfort with nutrition.

Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Conclusion

Few dishes carry the same sense of comfort, culture, and flavor as Portuguese Bean Soup. Rooted in tradition but endlessly adaptable, it’s the perfect dish for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a simple family meal. From the smoky richness of sausage to the earthy heartiness of beans and vegetables, this soup delivers a complete meal in every bowl.

Whether you serve it at a holiday gathering, a potluck, or just a cozy night at home, Portuguese Bean Soup is guaranteed to warm hearts and satisfy appetites. And the best part? With simple ingredients and a little patience, anyone can make it at home.

So grab your soup pot, gather your ingredients, and let the magic of Portuguese Bean Soup bring comfort and joy to your table.

Portuguese Bean Soup

There are few dishes as comforting and satisfying as a steaming bowl of **Portuguese Bean Soup**. Rich, savory, and full of bold flavors, this beloved recipe has roots in Portuguese cuisine but is especially popular in Hawaii, where it has become a staple at family gatherings, community potlucks, and holiday celebrations. The beauty of **Portuguese Bean Soup** lies in its depth of flavor and nourishing heartiness. With smoky sausage, tender beans, a tomato-rich broth, and an array of vegetables, every spoonful feels like a warm hug. It’s rustic cooking at its best—simple ingredients combined with patience and love to create a meal that satisfies both body and soul.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 35 minutes mins

Course Soup

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Equipment

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• * Wooden spoon for stirring
• Ladle for serving
• * Cutting board & sharp knife

Ingredients

  

• * **1 lb Portuguese sausage linguiça or chorizo, sliced** – smoky and flavorful.
• * **1 ham hock or smoked ham bone** – adds depth and richness.
• * **1 large onion chopped**
• * **4 cloves garlic minced**
• * **4 carrots sliced**
• * **3 celery stalks chopped**
• * **3 potatoes peeled and diced**
• * **1 small head of cabbage shredded**
• * **2 cans 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed**
• * **1 can 15 oz tomato sauce**
• * **1 can 15 oz diced tomatoes**
• * **6 cups chicken or beef broth**
• * **2 bay leaves**
• * **1 tsp dried oregano**
• * **Salt and black pepper to taste**
• * **Olive oil for sautéing**

Instructions

 

### Step 1: Sear the Sausage

• Heat a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced Portuguese sausage and cook until browned and fragrant. Remove and set aside.

### Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

• In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened. Add ham hock for extra depth.

### Step 3: Add Liquids and Beans

• Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and broth. Bring to a gentle boil.

### Step 4: Simmer Slowly

• Reduce heat to low, add bay leaves and oregano, and let the soup simmer for 45–60 minutes. This allows flavors to meld and the ham hock to enrich the broth.

### Step 5: Add Potatoes and Cabbage

• Add diced potatoes and shredded cabbage. Cook another 20–25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
• ### Step 6: Return Sausage
• Stir in the browned sausage and drained kidney beans. Simmer for 10 more minutes.

### Step 7: Taste and Adjust

• Season with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaves and ham hock before serving.
• Now you have a pot of **Portuguese Bean Soup** ready to enjoy!

Keyword Portuguese Bean Soup

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