Portuguese Bean Soup: A Hearty, Soul-Warming Meal

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Portuguese Bean Soup will become a staple in your kitchen:

1. Hearty and Flavorful – This soup is packed with rich, savory flavors from the meats, beans, and a variety of seasonings that give it depth.
2. Comforting and Satisfying – It’s a perfect meal for colder days, offering both warmth and satisfaction in every bowl.
3. Customizable – You can add or change the vegetables or seasonings based on what you have on hand or your personal preference.
4. Easy to Make – Despite being so flavorful, this soup is easy to make and can be prepared in under 2 hours.
5. Great for Leftovers – It gets even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together.

Perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends and family, this Portuguese Bean Soup will warm you up and satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 cup smoked sausage, sliced
• 1/2 cup plant-based protein alternative (e.g., tempeh or seitan), diced
• 1/2 cup diced tomato
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup kale, chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste

Directions

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add Carrots and Potatoes: Stir in the sliced carrots and diced potatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the Meats and Protein: Add the smoked sausage and the plant-based protein alternative to the pot, stirring to combine.
4. Add Broth and Spices: Pour in the chicken broth and water, stirring everything together. Then, add the diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried thyme, ground black pepper, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Add the Kale: Once the vegetables are cooked, stir in the chopped kale and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking until the kale wilts.
6. Season the Soup: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Remove the Bay Leaf and Serve: Before serving, remove the bay leaf from the soup. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 servings
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Rest Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

This Portuguese Bean Soup is perfect for a hearty dinner that’s full of flavor and can be easily made in under two hours.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can use any type of sausage that you like, or you can use a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian or halal-friendly option.

2. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! You can sauté the onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the vegetables are tender.

3. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! You can leave out the meats and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add more vegetables like celery, bell peppers, or mushrooms to enhance the flavor.

4. Can I use frozen beans?

Yes! You can use frozen beans, but make sure they are fully thawed and drained before adding them to the soup. Canned beans will work just as well.

5. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve.

6. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

7. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs?

Yes, you can substitute fresh oregano and thyme. Use about 1 tablespoon of each fresh herb to replace the dried.

8. How can I make this soup spicier?

If you like a spicier soup, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the broth.

9. Can I make this soup without kale?

Yes, you can substitute the kale with spinach, collard greens, or any other leafy green. Just make sure to add them near the end of cooking to prevent overcooking.

10. How do I prevent the soup from becoming too salty?

If you’re using store-bought broth or sausages, make sure to taste the soup before adding extra salt. You can always add more salt, but it’s difficult to reduce it once it’s in.

Conclusion

Portuguese Bean Soup is a flavorful, filling dish that’s perfect for chilly days or when you’re in the mood for something hearty and comforting. With its rich broth, tender beans, and savory meats, it’s a soul-warming meal that satisfies in every spoonful. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or preparing a big pot for leftovers, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!

Portuguese Bean Soup: A Hearty, Soul-Warming Meal

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• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Soup
• Method: Simmered
• Cuisine: Portuguese

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Description

Portuguese Bean Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish made with tender beans, savory meats, and a rich broth. Packed with spices and fresh vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and kale, this comforting soup is the perfect meal for chilly days or when you’re craving something cozy and satisfying.

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Ingredients

4 cups chicken broth

2 cups water

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium carrots, sliced

2 medium potatoes, diced

1 cup smoked sausage, sliced

1/2 cup plant-based protein alternative (e.g., tempeh or seitan), diced

1/2 cup diced tomato

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 cup kale, chopped

1 bay leaf

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add Carrots and Potatoes: Stir in the sliced carrots and diced potatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the Meats and Protein: Add the smoked sausage and plant-based protein alternative, stirring to combine.
4. Add Broth and Spices: Pour in the chicken broth and water, stirring everything together. Add the diced tomatoes, oregano, thyme, pepper, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
5. Add the Kale: Stir in the chopped kale and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking until the kale wilts.
6. Season the Soup: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Remove the Bay Leaf and Serve: Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Serve hot and enjoy!

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Notes

For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and add more vegetables like celery, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

If you prefer, you can substitute the smoked sausage with a vegetarian sausage or tofu.

This soup gets even better the next day as the flavors meld, so it’s a great option for meal prep!

If you don’t have kale, spinach or collard greens work well as substitutes.

For added heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add cayenne pepper to taste.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 35mg