When you think of comforting, soul-warming dishes that carry a story with every spoonful, Portuguese Bean Soup often rises to the top of the list. This hearty and flavorful soup has deep roots in the diverse culinary traditions of Hawaii, blending Portuguese, Hawaiian, and Asian influences in a rich, savory bowl of goodness. It’s more than just a meal-it’s a part of family gatherings, potlucks, and local culture. Often referred to as a "Hawaiian classic," Portuguese Bean Soup provides the kind of warmth and satisfaction you crave on a rainy day or when you’re simply looking for a dish that brings everyone to the table.
But how exactly do you make this delicious concoction that’s perfect for a crowd, or just a cozy meal at home? The Foodland version of the recipe is a staple in the islands, and today, we’re going to dive into how you can recreate it right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re a native islander or a newcomer to this flavorful soup, the steps to crafting this dish are easy to follow and totally worth the time.
Portuguese Bean Soup Foodland Recipe
This recipe is a beloved version of Portuguese Bean Soup made by Foodland, one of Hawaii’s most iconic grocery store chains. The flavor profile is rich, smoky, and perfectly balanced between the beans, meats, and a medley of vegetables. The combination of sausage, ham, and bacon gives this soup a depth of flavor that can’t be beat, while the beans add that familiar creamy texture. The best part? The recipe is pretty simple and can easily be adapted to suit your tastes!
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to create your own batch of this delicious Hawaiian comfort food:
- Smoked Ham Hocks – These form the backbone of the soup’s rich, smoky flavor. You can also use a ham bone if you prefer.
- Portuguese Sausage (Linguiça or Chouriço) – This spicy sausage adds a bold and savory kick to the soup.
- Bacon – Bacon brings in a crispy texture and a salty undertone to the soup, enriching the broth.
- Yellow Onion – A must for the base of most soups; it’s going to provide that necessary sweetness and depth.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic is a non-negotiable ingredient that gives the soup a fragrant, aromatic quality.
- Carrots – Adds a hint of sweetness and a touch of color.
- Celery – This provides a mild, fresh crunch that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the meats.
- Canned Kidney Beans – These beans give the soup its creamy texture and are the perfect companion for the smoky meats.
- Canned Tomatoes (Diced or Whole) – Tomatoes lend acidity and a bit of tang, balancing out the richness of the pork and sausage.
- Potatoes – These will absorb the flavors of the soup and provide a hearty, satisfying texture.
- Chicken Broth – A base for the soup that makes everything come together.
- Bay Leaves – These add a subtle, earthy fragrance to the dish.
- Thyme – A touch of thyme complements the sausage and ham, enhancing the soup’s depth.
- Black Pepper – To taste.
- Salt – As needed, but be careful because the ham and sausage can already be pretty salty.
Cooking Instructions
Now that we’ve got the ingredients lined up, it’s time to get cooking! Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your own hearty bowl of Portuguese Bean Soup:
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Prepare The Meats
- In a large stockpot, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crisp and golden brown.
- Once the bacon is done, remove it from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add the ham hocks and Portuguese sausage slices. Brown them slightly, rendering some fat to infuse the broth with flavor. Remove the sausage and ham hocks once they’ve gotten a nice color.
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Sauté The Vegetables
- In the remaining fat, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and the vegetables start to soften.
- Toss in the garlic and cook for another minute, letting it become fragrant.
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Build The Broth
- Now, return the browned meats (ham hocks and sausage) to the pot. Add the canned tomatoes, chicken broth, and enough water to fully submerge the ingredients. Stir in the bay leaves, thyme, and some black pepper. Bring everything to a simmer.
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Simmer And Build Flavor
- Allow the soup to simmer gently for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. You want the flavors to meld and for the meat to become tender. The ham hocks should easily shred with a fork, and the sausages should be infused with the broth.
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Add The Beans And Potatoes
- Once the meat is tender, add the potatoes and beans. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes or until the potatoes are fully cooked and soft.
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Finishing Touches
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Remove the bay leaves and any bones from the ham hocks.
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Serve And Enjoy
- Serve the soup hot with some fresh crusty bread or rice. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Ingredient Insights
- Portuguese Sausage (Linguiça or Chouriço): This particular type of sausage is key in giving Portuguese Bean Soup its unique flavor profile. It’s often made with pork, garlic, paprika, and other spices, which give the soup its slightly spicy and smoky bite.
- Ham Hocks: The ham hocks, when slow-cooked, release a deep, savory flavor into the soup. They’re a staple in many Portuguese and Hawaiian recipes, adding richness without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Kidney Beans: Kidney beans are a great choice for this soup because they hold up well during the long cooking process and provide a hearty texture that complements the other ingredients.
- Potatoes: Potatoes in Portuguese Bean Soup act like sponges-they absorb the flavors from the broth and meats, making every spoonful even more satisfying.
Expert Tips
- For a Smokier Flavor: If you want an even smokier soup, try using smoked bacon or smoked sausage to amp up the flavor.
- Use a Slow Cooker: If you have the time, you can use a slow cooker to make the soup. After browning the meats and sautéing the veggies, toss everything into a slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. The flavors will be even richer!
- Customize the Veggies: Some people like to add other veggies like spinach, kale, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. Feel free to experiment based on what you have on hand.
- Make It Ahead of Time: Portuguese Bean Soup tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to develop. Make a large batch and refrigerate it for future meals!
- Freezing Tips: This soup freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Version: You can make a meat-free version by using vegetable broth and adding more beans like cannellini or garbanzo beans. Add smoked paprika for the signature smoky flavor.
- Spicy Kick: If you love spice, throw in some fresh chilies or a few dashes of hot sauce to bring some heat to the soup.
- Bean Mix: You can use a variety of beans in place of kidney beans, like pinto or black beans, to give the soup a different flavor profile.
- Add Greens: For an extra burst of color and nutrition, try adding kale, spinach, or mustard greens toward the end of cooking.
Final Words
Portuguese Bean Soup is one of those dishes that feels like a big hug in a bowl. It’s filling, flavorful, and packed with the kind of ingredients that make you feel like you’re home, no matter where you’re from. The beauty of this recipe is in its versatility-you can tweak it to suit your preferences while keeping the essence of what makes this soup so special.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For The Foodland Portuguese Bean Soup Recipe?
The Foodland Portuguese Bean Soup recipe typically includes ingredients such as Portuguese sausage (linguiça), ham hocks or pork bones, kidney beans, carrots, onions, garlic, tomatoes, cabbage, and a variety of seasonings like bay leaves, thyme, and salt.
Can I Make The Foodland Portuguese Bean Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of the Portuguese Bean Soup by omitting the sausage and pork, and using vegetable broth as a base. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms for a savory flavor.
How Long Does It Take To Cook The Foodland Portuguese Bean Soup?
Cooking the Portuguese Bean Soup typically takes about 2 to 3 hours. The beans need time to cook thoroughly, and the flavors need to meld together. You can also use a pressure cooker to speed up the process.
Can I Use Dried Beans Instead Of Canned Beans In This Recipe?
Yes, you can use dried beans. However, you will need to soak them overnight and adjust the cooking time to ensure they are tender before adding them to the soup.
Is There A Substitute For Portuguese Sausage In This Recipe?
If you can’t find Portuguese sausage (linguiça), you can substitute it with chorizo or another smoked sausage. However, the flavor may not be identical, as Portuguese sausage has a unique seasoning blend.
How Do I Store Leftovers Of Portuguese Bean Soup?
Leftover Portuguese Bean Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months for longer storage.
Can I Add Other Vegetables To The Foodland Portuguese Bean Soup?
Yes, you can add other vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, or celery to customize the soup according to your preferences. Just ensure the additional vegetables are cut to a similar size for even cooking.
What Type Of Broth Is Used In Portuguese Bean Soup?
Typically, the broth is made from the meat (like ham hocks or pork bones) simmered with water to create a rich, savory base. Some recipes may also use chicken or vegetable broth as an alternative.
How Can I Make The Portuguese Bean Soup Spicier?
To add spice, you can include diced fresh chili peppers, cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of hot sauce. Adjust the level of heat to your taste preference.
What Side Dishes Pair Well With Portuguese Bean Soup?
Portuguese Bean Soup pairs well with crusty bread, cornbread, or a simple side salad. You can also serve it with rice for a more hearty meal.