Linguica soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that will warm you up from the inside out. This Portuguese-inspired soup combines savory sausage, vegetables, and a rich broth, creating a symphony of flavors in every spoonful. Whether you’re making it for a chilly evening or just craving something comforting, this soup will undoubtedly hit the spot.
The beauty of linguica soup lies not just in its taste, but in its flexibility. It’s a dish that can be adjusted to suit your personal tastes or to accommodate whatever ingredients you have on hand. So, if you’re ready to dive into a bowl of warmth and satisfaction, let’s talk about how to make this delicious recipe!
Linguica Soup Recipe
Before we dive into the details of the recipe, let’s get a quick overview of what you’ll be making. Linguica soup has a robust flavor profile thanks to the inclusion of linguica sausage, which is naturally seasoned and smoked. The combination of this sausage, vegetables, beans, and sometimes even a bit of spice, brings together the perfect balance of richness and depth. You’ll love how everything just melds together into a flavorful, soul-soothing bowl of goodness.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this Portuguese classic to life. Keep in mind that you can always adjust things according to your preferences:
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Linguica Sausage (about 1 lb)
- The star of the show! Linguica is a Portuguese smoked sausage with a distinct, slightly spicy flavor. It’s typically made from pork and seasoned with garlic, paprika, and other spices.
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Olive Oil (2 tbsp)
- This is for sautéing the vegetables and creating a base flavor. Olive oil gives a smooth richness to the soup.
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Yellow Onion (1 medium, chopped)
- Sweet onions are ideal for this dish, providing a savory undertone and balancing the spices of the sausage.
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Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
- Garlic is a key flavor component that deepens the overall taste of the soup.
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Carrots (2 medium, peeled and chopped)
- Carrots add a subtle sweetness and texture to the soup, complementing the savory flavors of the sausage.
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Celery (2 stalks, chopped)
- Celery provides a crisp texture and a touch of earthiness that contrasts with the richness of the sausage.
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Potatoes (2 medium, peeled and diced)
- Potatoes add substance to the soup and absorb all the delicious flavors of the broth.
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Canned Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz)
- The acidity of tomatoes brightens the soup and balances the rich, meaty flavors of the linguica.
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Chicken or Vegetable Broth (4 cups)
- This is the base of your soup. You can use either chicken or vegetable broth depending on your preference. It’ll bring everything together into a flavorful liquid.
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Canned White Beans (1 can, drained and rinsed)
- Beans add a creamy texture and additional protein, making this soup more filling and nutritious.
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Spinach (2 cups, fresh or frozen)
- Spinach gives a pop of color and a fresh, slightly bitter contrast to the sausage and potatoes.
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Bay Leaves (2)
- Bay leaves add an aromatic layer to the soup that’s hard to describe but oh-so-important.
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Salt & Pepper (to taste)
- Simple seasonings that allow all the other flavors to shine. You can adjust these to suit your taste.
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Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for spice)
- If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Linguica sausage is already spicy, so you can control the heat with this extra kick.
Cooking Instructions
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients, let’s dive into making this savory soup:
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Sauté The Vegetables
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onions turn translucent.
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Cook The Linguica Sausage
- Add the linguica sausage to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break up the sausage as it cooks, ensuring it gets a nice brown color and releases its flavorful oils. This should take about 5-6 minutes.
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Add Garlic And Spices
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant. This helps bring out the depth of the garlic’s flavor. Season with salt, pepper, and the optional red pepper flakes at this point.
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Add Liquids And Tomatoes
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken or vegetable broth, and bay leaves. Bring everything to a gentle boil.
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Simmer The Soup
- Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Add The Potatoes And Beans
- Add the diced potatoes and white beans to the pot. Stir everything together, cover, and simmer for another 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
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Finish With Spinach
- Stir in the spinach and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, just until the spinach wilts into the soup.
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Taste And Adjust
- Taste your soup and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your liking. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Ingredient Insights
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Linguica Sausage
- Linguica is the backbone of this soup. It’s a Portuguese sausage that’s typically made with pork, garlic, paprika, and sometimes a bit of wine. It’s smoky and slightly spicy, making it a perfect complement to the mild vegetables in this dish.
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Spinach
- Spinach isn’t just for color; it adds a subtle bitterness that balances out the richness of the sausage. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins and minerals, making your soup a little healthier.
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White Beans
- The white beans (usually cannellini or navy beans) absorb the flavors of the broth, adding creaminess and extra protein to make this a more filling meal.
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Broth Choices
- Depending on your preference, you can go with a rich chicken broth for a deeper flavor, or use vegetable broth for a lighter, vegetarian version.
Expert Tips
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Use Fresh Linguica
- If you can find fresh, uncooked linguica sausage (often at specialty butcher shops), it will add an even more authentic flavor to your soup.
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Don’t Skip The Garlic
- Garlic is essential in this dish, so don’t skimp! The aroma it creates while sautéing will set the foundation for the whole soup.
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Control The Heat
- If you don’t like too much spice, remove the sausage from the casing and cook it with the vegetables in smaller crumbles. The sausage will still impart its flavor but won’t overwhelm the dish.
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Simmer For Maximum Flavor
- Don’t rush the simmering time. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will develop. Plus, this soup makes for great leftovers, as the flavors continue to intensify after sitting overnight.
Recipe Variations
While the classic version of linguica soup is already delicious, there are some fun variations you can try:
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Add Kale Instead Of Spinach
- Kale is another leafy green that holds up well in soups and adds even more texture. It also has a slightly stronger, more peppery flavor than spinach.
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Make It Spicy
- If you’re a fan of heat, add in some diced jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes to ramp up the spiciness.
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Use Sweet Potatoes
- For a twist, try using sweet potatoes in place of regular potatoes. Their natural sweetness contrasts nicely with the savory sausage.
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Try Chorizo
- If you can’t find linguica or want to try something different, substitute with chorizo. While it has a different flavor profile, it’s still a spicy, flavorful sausage that will pair well in the soup.
Final Words
Making linguica soup is more than just following a recipe; it’s about bringing together ingredients that work in perfect harmony. With the right balance of smoky sausage, tender vegetables, and a hearty broth, this soup will become a go-to comfort dish in your kitchen. Whether you enjoy it as a meal on its own or pair it with some crusty bread, this recipe will never disappoint.
FAQs
What Is Linguica Soup?
Linguica soup is a flavorful Portuguese-inspired soup made with linguica sausage, which is a smoked pork sausage seasoned with garlic, paprika, and other spices. The soup typically includes vegetables such as potatoes, onions, and beans, and is often simmered with broth to create a hearty, savory meal.
What Are The Main Ingredients In A Linguica Soup Recipe?
The main ingredients in a linguica soup recipe are linguica sausage, potatoes, onions, garlic, tomatoes, beans (often white beans), and broth (chicken or vegetable). Seasonings like paprika, bay leaves, thyme, and salt are also commonly used to enhance the flavor.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Sausage Instead Of Linguica?
Yes, you can substitute linguica with other sausages like chorizo, kielbasa, or smoked sausage. However, keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly, as linguica has a distinctive smokey and garlicky flavor.
How Do You Cook Linguica Soup From Scratch?
To cook linguica soup from scratch, first brown the sliced linguica sausage in a pot. Then, add chopped onions, garlic, and vegetables like potatoes and carrots, sautéing until softened. Next, add broth, canned tomatoes, and beans, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme and bay leaves.
Can I Make Linguica Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, linguica soup can be made in a slow cooker. Brown the sausage and sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker along with the rest of the ingredients. Set the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have developed.
What Side Dishes Pair Well With Linguica Soup?
Linguica soup pairs well with crusty bread, such as a baguette or sourdough, to soak up the broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or a Portuguese-style rice dish are also great accompaniments.
Can Linguica Soup Be Frozen?
Yes, linguica soup can be frozen. Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.
What Variations Can I Add To Linguica Soup?
You can add variations such as kale or spinach for extra greens, or switch the beans to lentils or chickpeas. Adding different vegetables like bell peppers or corn can also alter the flavor. For a spicier version, you can include chili flakes or hot sauce.
Is Linguica Soup Spicy?
Linguica soup has a mild to medium level of spiciness, depending on the linguica sausage used. Some varieties of linguica are spicier than others. If you prefer a less spicy soup, choose a mild sausage or adjust the amount of hot ingredients like chili flakes.
How Can I Make Linguica Soup Gluten-free?
To make linguica soup gluten-free, ensure that the linguica sausage is gluten-free and use gluten-free broth and canned beans. You can also use gluten-free flour if the recipe calls for thickening the soup with a roux.