Portuguese Bean Soup
A hearty and comforting soup straight from the heart of Hawaii. This local favorite combines savory Portuguese sausage, tender ham hocks, beans, and vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth. It's a complete meal in a bowl, perfect for any day.
For 6 servings
5 steps. 140 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Brown Sausage and Sauté Aromatics
- b.Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the sliced linguiça and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until well-browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- d.Reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
- e.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Simmer the Broth with Ham Hock
- b.Return the browned sausage to the pot. Add the smoked ham hock, chicken broth, undrained diced tomatoes, and the bay leaf.
- c.Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 90 minutes. This long simmer is key to making the ham hock tender and creating a deeply flavorful broth.
- d.Occasionally skim any foam that rises to the surface.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Shred Ham and Cook Vegetables
- b.Carefully remove the ham hock from the pot and set it on a cutting board to cool slightly.
- c.While the hock cools, add the cubed potatoes and shredded cabbage to the simmering soup. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- d.Once the ham hock is cool enough to handle, pull the meat from the bone. Shred or chop the meat and discard the bone, skin, and excess fat. Return the shredded ham to the pot.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Add Beans and Macaroni
- b.Stir the rinsed kidney beans and the dry elbow macaroni into the soup.
- c.Increase the heat to maintain a steady simmer and cook, uncovered, for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. Cook until the macaroni is al dente.
- d.The soup will thicken as the pasta releases its starches.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Final Seasoning and Serving
- b.Remove the pot from the heat and discard the bay leaf.
- c.Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. The ham hock and sausage are salty, so it's important to taste before adding more salt.
- d.Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a richer broth, you can brown the ham hock along with the sausage at the beginning.
- 2This soup thickens considerably as it cools. Add a splash of water or broth when reheating if it becomes too stew-like.
- 3The soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely and store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. The pasta may soften upon reheating.
- 4If you can't find linguiça, a good quality smoked andouille or kielbasa sausage can be used as a substitute.
- 5To save time, use a pressure cooker (like an Instant Pot) to cook the ham hock in broth for 35-40 minutes on high pressure. Then release pressure, add the remaining ingredients, and finish on the sauté function.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicier Version
Add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a gentle heat, or serve with your favorite hot sauce.
Vegetarian/VeganVegetarian/Vegan
Omit the sausage and ham hock. Use vegetable broth and add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke for a savory, smoky flavor. Add an extra can of beans (like cannellini or chickpeas) for more protein.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Substitute the elbow macaroni with your favorite gluten-free pasta, adjusting the cooking time as per package directions. Alternatively, omit the pasta and add 1 cup of cooked rice at the end.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
With ham hock, sausage, and kidney beans, this soup is packed with protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
High in Dietary Fiber
The combination of beans, cabbage, potatoes, and other vegetables provides a significant amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps regulate blood sugar, and supports heart health.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
The variety of vegetables contributes essential nutrients like Vitamin A from carrots, Vitamin C from cabbage and potatoes, and potassium, which are vital for overall health and well-being.
Frequently asked questions
A 1.5-cup serving of this Portuguese Bean Soup contains approximately 450-550 calories, depending on the fat content of the sausage and ham hock used. It's a very hearty and calorie-dense meal.