Sopa de Feijao Verde

Sopa de Feijao Verde Recipe - Traditional Portuguese Soup

Region / culture: Portugal | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Sopa de Feijao Verde, also known as Green Bean Soup, is a traditional Portuguese dish that is both hearty and delicious. This soup is perfect for a cold winter day or as a light summer meal.

History

This recipe has been passed down through generations in Portuguese families. It is a simple and comforting dish that is often served as a starter or main course. The combination of fresh vegetables and savory broth makes this soup a favorite among many.

Ingredients

2 tsp salt
0.5 tsp pepper
3 large potatoes, cut into chunks
2 medium tomatoes, cut into chunks
2 large onions, cut into chunks
1 lb (454 g) fresh string beans, thinly sliced

Quicker version

1 cup instant potatoes
1 tbsp onion powder
1.5 qt (1.42 liters) boiling water
1 can (6 oz or 170 g) tomato sauce
1 package frozen Italian beans, thawed and thinly sliced

How to prepare

In a 3 qt (2.84 liter) saucepan, bring 1.5 qt (1.42 liter) water to a boil.
Add salt, pepper, potatoes, tomatoes, and onions.
Simmer for 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Puree the mixture through a sieve or food mill until it becomes a thin puree.
Add string beans.
Simmer for about 10 minutes until beans are tender.
Adjust the seasoning.
Serve in bowls.

Quicker version

To save time, use pre-sliced fresh string beans.
Combine potato flakes, onion powder, boiling water, and tomato sauce.
No need to puree the mixture.
Add Italian beans to the mixture.
Simmer until beans are cooked.
Serve in bowls or large soup plates.

Variations

You can add other vegetables such as carrots, peas, or corn to this soup for added flavor and nutrition. You can also add cooked chicken or sausage for a heartier version.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For a richer flavor, you can add a ham hock or bacon to the soup while it simmers.

- Be sure to adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences.

- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add more potatoes or use less water.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a glass of white wine.

Cooking Techniques

The key to this soup is simmering the vegetables until they are tender. Be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the size of your vegetables.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh string beans, you can use frozen or canned beans instead. You can also use canned tomatoes in place of fresh tomatoes.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish this soup with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This soup pairs well with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables. It also goes well with a glass of red wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Main part: 150 calories

Quicker version: 120 calories

Carbohydrates

Main part: 30g

Quicker version: 25g

Fats

Main part: 0.5g

Quicker version: 0g

Proteins

Main part: 5g

Quicker version: 2g

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe may contain allergens such as gluten (if using instant potatoes) and soy (if using tomato sauce).

Summary

Sopa de Feijao Verde is a nutritious and low-calorie soup that is packed with vitamins and minerals. It is a healthy option for a light meal or starter.

Summary

Sopa de Feijao Verde is a delicious and nutritious soup that is perfect for any time of year. With its fresh vegetables and savory broth, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

It feels like just yesterday when I stumbled upon this recipe for Sopa de Feijao Verde. I was a young girl, just starting to explore the world of cooking, and I happened to come across this delicious soup while visiting my aunt in a small village in Portugal.

My aunt was an amazing cook and she always welcomed me into her kitchen with open arms. I remember the first time I walked into her cozy kitchen and was hit with the aroma of garlic and onions sautéing in olive oil. It was a smell that instantly made my mouth water and I knew I was in for a treat.

As I watched my aunt cook, I asked her about the soup she was making. She smiled and told me it was a traditional Portuguese dish called Sopa de Feijao Verde, or green bean soup. She explained that it was a simple yet hearty soup made with fresh green beans, potatoes, onions, garlic, and a flavorful broth.

I was intrigued and asked if I could help her prepare the soup. My aunt was more than happy to have me assist her, and she patiently guided me through the process of chopping the vegetables, sautéing the onions and garlic, and simmering the soup until it was thick and flavorful.

As we sat down to eat the soup, I took my first spoonful and was instantly transported to a world of warmth and comfort. The flavors of the green beans and potatoes melded together beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying dish that warmed me from the inside out.

From that day on, I was hooked on Sopa de Feijao Verde. I begged my aunt to teach me how to make it, and she happily shared her recipe with me. Over the years, I have made this soup countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes.

I have added a touch of smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness, and a splash of white wine for a touch of acidity. I have also experimented with different types of beans, adding black beans or kidney beans for a twist on the traditional recipe.

But no matter how I change the recipe, the essence of Sopa de Feijao Verde remains the same – a simple, comforting soup that never fails to warm the soul. And every time I make it, I am reminded of that day in my aunt's kitchen, when I first fell in love with the art of cooking.

So as I sit here, stirring a pot of Sopa de Feijao Verde on a chilly evening, I can't help but feel grateful for the memories and traditions that have been passed down to me. And I hope that one day, I can pass on this delicious recipe to my own grandchildren, just as my aunt did for me.