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.
Yield: 4
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- * Wooden spoon for stirring
- Ladle for serving
- * Cutting board & sharp knife
Materials
- * **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!