Delicious Portuguese Bean Soup is a comforting classic that brings the heart of Portuguese cuisine right to your table. Bursting with smoky sausage, tender beans, and hearty vegetables, this soup offers a perfect balance of bold flavor and rustic charm. Simmered slowly in a tomato-based broth, it’s the kind of meal that fills your home with warmth and your bowl with pure comfort. Perfect for family dinners, cold nights, or meal prepping ahead of a busy week.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 smoked sausage (like linguiça or chorizo), sliced
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto or white beans, drained
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Base
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and aromatic.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 2: Add the Flavor Layers
- Add sausage slices and cook until lightly browned, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in paprika and crushed red pepper to enhance the smoky depth.
Step 3: Build the Soup
- Add potatoes, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, and broth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
- Stir in fresh parsley and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or a side of rice for a complete meal.
Variations
- Use smoked turkey sausage for a lighter version.
- Add kale or spinach near the end of cooking for a boost of greens.
- Mix in a splash of red wine vinegar or lemon juice for extra brightness.
- Make it spicy with chorizo or extra crushed red pepper.
Cooking Note
- Allowing the soup to simmer slowly enhances the deep, smoky flavors.
- For a thicker texture, mash a few potatoes or beans into the broth before serving.
- Always taste and adjust salt levels, especially when using smoked sausage.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this soup with warm Portuguese rolls or garlic bread. A light green salad makes a fresh side dish to balance the richness of the broth. Top with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The flavor deepens with time, making it even better the next day. To freeze, cool completely and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: Approx. 340
Protein: 22g
Sodium: 780mg
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Swap regular sausage for chicken sausage to reduce fat. Use low-sodium broth and drain canned beans well to lower sodium. Add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrients and fiber.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking potatoes—they should be tender but not mushy.
- Skipping the browning step—browning the sausage builds rich flavor.
- Using too much salt early on—wait until after simmering to adjust.
- Neglecting fresh herbs—they brighten and balance the soup beautifully.
Conclusion
Delicious Portuguese Bean Soup is the perfect blend of smoky, hearty, and nourishing. It’s a soup that celebrates comfort, tradition, and flavor all in one pot. Whether served on a cold winter night or as a satisfying family dinner, it’s guaranteed to warm your heart and fill your home with irresistible aroma.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes! Use vegetable broth and skip the sausage. Add smoked paprika for that signature flavor.
Q2: Can I use dried beans?
A: Yes, just soak and cook them beforehand since they take longer to soften.
Q3: Can I use a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! Combine all ingredients (except parsley) and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Q4: How can I thicken the soup?
A: Mash a few beans or potatoes with a fork directly in the pot for a naturally thicker texture.
Delicious Portuguese Bean Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Delicious Portuguese Bean Soup – a hearty, smoky, and comforting soup made with sausage, beans, and fresh vegetables simmered in a rich tomato broth.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 smoked sausage (like linguiça or chorizo), sliced
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained
1 (15 oz) can pinto or white beans, drained
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
Salt & pepper to taste
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5–7 minutes.
2. Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
3. Add sausage slices and cook until lightly browned.
4. Stir in paprika and crushed red pepper.
5. Add potatoes, tomatoes, beans, and broth. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 25–30 minutes until potatoes are tender.
7. Stir in parsley and serve hot with crusty bread.
Notes
Use smoked turkey sausage for a lighter version.
Add kale or spinach for color and nutrition.
Mash a few beans for a thicker texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Portuguese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg