Portuguese Soup

Portuguese Soup Recipe - Chuck Roast, Chourico, Beans, Cabbage, and Potatoes

Region / culture: Portugal | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 5 hours | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

Portuguese Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This soup is packed with protein, vegetables, and beans, making it a nutritious and filling meal. The combination of tender chuck roast, spicy chourico, and creamy baked beans creates a delicious and satisfying soup that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

History

Portuguese Soup, also known as Caldo Verde, is a traditional Portuguese dish that has been enjoyed for generations. This soup originated in the Minho region of Portugal and is now popular throughout the country. The name "Caldo Verde" translates to "green broth" in English, referring to the vibrant green color of the soup, which comes from the kale and cabbage.

Ingredients

4 – 5 lb (2.27 kg) chuck roast, cubed
1 lb (454 g) chourico, sliced into 0.5 inch thick pieces
2 cans of B&M baked beans (large cans)
3 tbsp of crushed red peppers (wet, Star brand or substitute)
salt and pepper to taste
small cabbage
2 packages of frozen kale or 2 lb (907 g) of chopped fresh kale
3 or 4 large potatoes, peeled and quartered

How to prepare

In a large pot, add enough water to cover the ingredients, leaving about 2 inches of space from the top
Cover the pot and cook for 3 hours
Next, add chopped cabbage and kale to the pot
Bring the water level back to the original line and continue cooking for 2 more hours
After that, add potatoes to the pot and cook for another 30 minutes

Variations

Add diced carrots or celery for extra vegetables.
Use spicy sausage or linguica instead of chourico for a different flavor profile.
Substitute white beans or kidney beans for the baked beans for a different texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cube the chuck roast into small pieces to ensure that it cooks evenly and becomes tender.

- Slicing the chourico into thick pieces will allow it to release its flavorful oils and spices into the soup.

- Adding crushed red peppers will give the soup a spicy kick, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences.

- Cooking the soup low and slow will allow the flavors to meld together and create a rich and delicious broth.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Portuguese Soup with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete and filling meal. Garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Slow cooking the soup allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender.

- Adding the vegetables in stages ensures that they are cooked to perfection and maintain their texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find chourico, you can use spicy Italian sausage as a substitute.

- Frozen spinach can be used instead of kale if preferred.

- Any type of white beans can be used in place of the baked beans.

Make Ahead Tips

Portuguese Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Portuguese Soup in a large bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. Pair with a glass of red wine for a cozy and comforting meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Portuguese Soup pairs well with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables. A glass of Portuguese red wine or a cold beer complements the flavors of the soup.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Portuguese Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 450 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 18g per serving

Saturated Fat: 6g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 35g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 20% DV

Vitamin C: 80% DV

Iron: 25% DV

Calcium: 15% DV

Alergens

Contains: Soy

Summary

Portuguese Soup is a well-balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for a comforting meal.

Summary

Portuguese Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with protein, vegetables, and beans, this soup is a nutritious and satisfying meal that will warm you up from the inside out. Enjoy this traditional Portuguese recipe with your family and friends for a taste of Portugal at home.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Portuguese Soup. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl eager to learn the art of cooking from my mother. We were visiting our relatives in Portugal, and one day my aunt Maria invited me into her kitchen to learn how to make this traditional soup.

As I watched my aunt gather the ingredients - kale, potatoes, chorizo, and beans - I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at how such simple ingredients could come together to create such a flavorful and satisfying dish. My aunt explained to me that Portuguese Soup was a staple in their household, passed down through generations, and each family had their own unique twist on the recipe.

I watched intently as my aunt chopped the vegetables and sautéed the chorizo in a large pot. The aroma of garlic and onion filled the kitchen, mingling with the rich, smoky scent of the chorizo. I could hardly wait to taste the finished product.

As the soup simmered on the stove, my aunt shared with me the story of how she had learned to make Portuguese Soup from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. She told me that each generation had added their own touch to the recipe, making it a true family heirloom.

When the soup was finally ready, my aunt ladled it into bowls and sprinkled it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. I took my first spoonful and was immediately transported back to my grandmother's kitchen, where the flavors of Portugal filled my senses. The soup was hearty and comforting, with just the right amount of spice from the chorizo.

From that day on, Portuguese Soup became a staple in my own kitchen, a recipe that I would pass down to my own children and grandchildren. I made it for my husband on cold winter nights, for my children when they were feeling under the weather, and for friends and neighbors who needed a taste of home.

Over the years, I have made little tweaks to the recipe, adding a splash of white wine here, a handful of fresh herbs there. But the heart of the dish remains the same - a warm and comforting soup that brings people together around the table.

I often think back on that day in my aunt's kitchen, watching her create magic with just a few simple ingredients. It was then that I realized the true power of food - not just to nourish our bodies, but to nourish our souls and forge connections with those we love.

And so, as I pass along the recipe for Portuguese Soup to my grandchildren, I hope that they will feel the same sense of wonder and awe that I did all those years ago. For in the simple act of cooking and sharing a meal, we create memories that will last a lifetime.