With a hodgepodge of ingredients like smoked ham hocks, macaroni, kidney beans, an assortment of veggies, and Portuguese sausage (hence the name), this is one flavor packed bowl you don’t want to miss! Hawaiian food is unique fusion of cuisines, combining traditional fare like Kalua Pig with immigrant inspired local dishes such as Loco Moco, Mac Salad and Shoyu Chicken. Today’s soup recipe is a popular home-style comfort food in Hawaii, and once you try it, I bet you’ll be coming back to it.

Ingredient Needed

For exact measurements, see the recipe card at the end of the post. Here is what I use:

Portuguese Sausage: Also known as linguiça, it adds a spicy, smoky flair to the soup. It can generally be found in the refrigerated section of supermarkets near the other sausages. Chouriço (not to be confused with chorizo), is another variety of Portuguese sausage which can also be used. Smoked Ham Hocks: This is where the magic starts. The smokiness and richness infuse into the broth. Olive Oil: For sautéing. Can be substituted with any neutral flavored oil. Onion, Carrots, Celery, and Garlic: This is my classic aromatic base. Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes: If you have good quality fresh tomatoes, feel free to use them. Potatoes: I like to use a waxy variety such as yellow or red potatoes, as they will hold their shape better. Kidney Beans: The traditional variety. Cannellini would also go great here. Cabbage: Adds crunch and veggie power. Elbow Macaroni: It makes my soup even more hearty. Other options are orzo or ditalini. Watercress: The finishing touch! Can be substituted with arugula, spinach or omitted.

Portuguese Bean Soup Recipe

  1. Create the broth: I start by placing ham hocks and three quarts of water in a large soup pot or Dutch oven. I bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, covered, for about 2 hours.  I remove the ham hocks and place them on a plate. Once they’ve cooled down, I take off the meat and discard the bones. I save the remaining broth for later.
  2. Brown the sausage: In another large pot, I heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. I add in the sliced sausage and brown it on both sides. Once it’s nicely browned, I remove it to a plate.
  3. Sauté veggies and aromatics: Next, I reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Then, I add the onion, celery, carrots, and garlic, sautéing them until they begin to soften, which takes about 5-10 minutes.
  4. Build the soup: I add the reserved broth, browned sausage, meat from the ham hocks, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes to the pot. I bring it to a simmer over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low. I cover the pot and let it cook for 30 minutes..
  5. Add remaining ingredients: The rest of the ingredients have different cooking times, so I add them at different times, as follows:

First, I add the potatoes and cook them for 20 minutes.  Then, I add the kidney beans and cabbage, cooking for another 20 minutes.  After that, I add the macaroni and cook until it’s done, about 10-15 minutes. Finally, I remove the pot from the heat and stir in the watercress.

  1. Finish and serve: I taste the soup and adjust for salt, if needed. While it can be served immediately, I prefer to let it sit for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and develop even more.

Jason’s Tips

Don’t rush the broth: It takes time for the flavors from the ham hocks to fully infuse into the broth. I set it to simmer and wait patiently. Cook in stages: While it may be tempting to just dump everything in the pot all at once, I follow the suggested timeline to ensure optimal textures. Serving suggestion: I serve the soup with a side of crusty bread to soak up that delicious broth.

The next time you crave some cozy comfort food, give my Portuguese Bean Soup a recipe a try. I bet you’ll love it just as much as the Hawaiians do. Pin or bookmark this great recipe so you always know where to find it. And be sure to subscribe to GypsyPlate, we’re always cooking up new recipes for you. For more easy meals, check out our hand picked collection of Dinner Ideas for Tonight. Until next time…

Portuguese Bean Soup, on our Gypsy Plate… enjoy!

Try these other great soups!Italian Sausage SoupCaldo de PolloHungarian GoulashSopa de FideoTuscan Bean SoupSancochoFasolada

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