Portuguese Bean Soup Recipe
Cozy Up with a Bowl of Authentic Portuguese Ham Hock Soup
Looking for a hearty, flavorful soup that will warm you from the inside out? Look no further than our incredibly delicious Portuguese Ham Hock Soup! This isn’t just any soup; it’s a taste of tradition, packed with tender ham hock, vibrant vegetables, and comforting macaroni noodles. It’s a dish that’s been passed down through generations, and we’re thrilled to share our version with you.
This soup is a true labor of love, starting with slow-simmered ham hocks that create a rich, savory broth. We then build layers of flavor with diced tomatoes, hearty vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and cabbage, and a touch of Portuguese sausage for that authentic kick. The addition of kidney beans and macaroni noodles makes it a complete and satisfying meal.
What makes this Portuguese Ham Hock Soup special?
- Rich & Flavorful Broth: The long simmering time for the ham hocks creates a deeply flavorful base for the soup.
- Authentic Portuguese Flavors: The combination of ham hock, Portuguese sausage, and traditional vegetables delivers a genuine taste of Portugal.
- Hearty & Filling: This soup is packed with protein and vegetables, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
- Comfort Food at its Finest: Perfect for a chilly evening or when you’re craving something warm and comforting.
Tips for the Best Soup:
- Don’t rush the ham hock simmering: The longer it simmers, the more flavor you’ll extract.
- Skim the fat: Removing excess fat from the stock will result in a cleaner-tasting soup.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Don’t be afraid to add more salt and pepper to suit your preferences.
- Get creative with vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as green beans or spinach.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use smoked ham hocks?
A: Yes, smoked ham hocks will add an even deeper smoky flavor to the soup. Just be mindful of the salt content and adjust accordingly.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, you can freeze this soup. However, the noodles may become slightly soft upon thawing. It’s best to freeze the soup without the noodles and add them when reheating.
Q: What kind of Portuguese sausage should I use?
A: Linguiça or chouriço are both excellent choices for this soup. They add a delicious smoky and slightly spicy flavor.
Q: Is this soup spicy?
A: It’s mildly spicy, depending on the Portuguese sausage you use. If you prefer a spicier soup, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
We hope you enjoy this authentic and flavorful Portuguese Ham Hock Soup! It’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Portuguese Ham Hock Soup
Ingredients
- 2.5 quarts water
- 1.5 hours ham hocks
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 cup diced ham hocks (from stock) Meat removed from ham hocks after cooking
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1 cup kidney beans
- 1 cup Portuguese sausage
- 1 cup cabbage
- 1 cup macaroni noodles
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
Instructions
- 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. Let cook 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!
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