When I first made this Portuguese Bean Soup, my kitchen smelled like comfort itself. You know that feeling when a pot bubbles away and every whiff feels like a hug? That’s exactly what this recipe gives. It’s hearty, warm, and just the kind of thing you’d crave after a long day. I like to think of this soup as the Hawaiian cousin to traditional Portuguese Soup Recipes. It’s got those smoky sausages, tender beans, and bits of cabbage that somehow all make friends in the same pot. Every spoonful feels like a cozy trip to the islands without the airfare. And the best part? It fits beautifully among Heart Healthy Soup Recipes, making it one of my go-to Healthy Soup Recipes when I want flavor without guilt. It’s the kind of meal that fills the belly and the heart, perfect for Sunday dinners or slow evenings when you want something real and satisfying. If you’ve been looking for a Portuguese Bean Soup Hawaii style that hits all the right notes, this bean soup recipe might just be your next favorite healthy soup recipe to share with family or to freeze for a rainy day.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Portuguese Bean Soup Recipe
3) Ingredients for Portuguese Bean Soup
4) How to Make Portuguese Bean Soup
5) Tips for Making Portuguese Bean Soup
6) Making Portuguese Bean Soup Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Portuguese Bean Soup
8) Try these Soup recipes next!
9) Portuguese Bean Soup
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This hearty Portuguese Bean Soup is full of flavor and warmth, perfect for cozy evenings.
It’s one of those heart healthy soup recipes that makes eating well feel indulgent.
Made with beans, sausage, and cabbage, it’s rich without feeling heavy.
Simple ingredients, one pot, and a whole lot of comfort in every spoonful.

2) Easy Portuguese Bean Soup Recipe

I’ve made this Portuguese Bean Soup more times than I can count, and it never fails to hit that comforting note between hearty and healthy. You know when you need something that warms your hands and your soul? This is that kind of meal. It’s one of my favorite heart healthy soup recipes because it brings real satisfaction without making you feel like you just swallowed a bowling ball.

We start with the humble bean. Beans are filling, full of protein, and have that creamy texture that makes every bite cozy. The sausages bring smoky richness while the cabbage and carrots lighten the bowl. I love how it all comes together in one big pot. There’s something therapeutic about stirring it slowly, letting those ingredients mingle and become something greater than the sum of their parts.

If you’ve never tried Portuguese Soup Recipes before, you’re in for a treat. This version has a hint of island flair inspired by Portuguese Bean Soup Hawaii, where tradition meets comfort in the tastiest way possible. Pair it with some crusty bread and you’ve got dinner that tastes like a hug. Honestly, it’s that good.

3) Ingredients for Portuguese Bean Soup

Smoked Ham Hock: Adds depth and that classic smoky flavor that makes the broth unforgettable. If you can’t find one, a leftover ham bone works too.

Portuguese Sausage or Linguica: The soul of the soup. It gives that slightly spicy, garlicky punch that keeps you coming back for more spoonfuls.

Smoked Sausage: A milder counterbalance to the Portuguese sausage, helping build layers of flavor that make this bean soup recipe stand out.

Onion and Garlic: The aromatic duo that’s at the heart of every great soup. They add warmth and a bit of sweetness when sautéed until golden.

Carrots and Potatoes: These give the soup its body. They soak up all those savory juices, turning soft and tender in every bite.

Kidney Beans: The key to making this soup thick and hearty. Rinse them before using so the flavor stays clean.

Tomato Sauce: This ties the soup together, adding richness and that perfect tang to balance the smoky meat.

Cabbage: Don’t skip it! It adds a fresh crunch that mellows out the richness of the broth.

Water or Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Use broth if you want a deeper flavor, water if you prefer something lighter and cleaner.

Salt and Pepper: Finish it off with seasoning to taste — sometimes simple is what brings everything together.

4) How to Make Portuguese Bean Soup

Step 1. In a large pot, simmer the ham hock with water or broth until tender and the meat starts to fall away from the bone. That’s when you know it’s ready to work its magic.

Step 2. Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and set it aside. The broth now has that smoky foundation that makes this one of the best healthy soup recipes out there.

Step 3. In the same pot, toss in the sausages, onions, and garlic. Let them cook until they turn golden and fill the kitchen with that mouthwatering smell we all love.

Step 4. Add the carrots, potatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir slowly as the colors deepen and everything starts to blend into a hearty base.

Step 5. Add the kidney beans, cabbage, and shredded ham. Give it a gentle stir, then let it simmer until the cabbage softens and the broth turns beautifully thick.

Step 6. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Then grab your bowl, maybe a spoon big enough for seconds, and enjoy.

5) Tips for Making Portuguese Bean Soup

Start with quality sausage. The better the sausage, the more flavor your soup will have. If you can’t find Portuguese sausage, try linguica or even chorizo. It’s worth the hunt, trust me.

Don’t rush the simmer. Let the soup cook long enough for everything to blend. This isn’t one of those quick fixes. The magic happens when the ingredients sit together for a while, letting the beans soak up all that goodness.

If you like your soup thicker, mash a few beans in the pot before serving. It gives a natural creaminess without adding cream. And if you want more greens, toss in kale or spinach — it fits right in and adds more of that healthy comfort we all crave.

6) Making Portuguese Bean Soup Ahead of Time

This soup tastes even better the next day. I swear, it’s like all the ingredients have a long talk overnight and decide to become best friends. The flavors deepen, the beans soften, and the broth thickens in the best way. It’s one of those heart healthy soup recipes that actually improves with time.

If you’re planning ahead, make the soup a day early and let it cool completely before storing it. When ready to eat, reheat it gently on the stove. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. You can even freeze it in single portions for an easy weeknight dinner.

Trust me, nothing beats having a container of this waiting for you on a busy day. It’s like a warm reminder that good food doesn’t need to be complicated.

7) Storing Leftover Portuguese Bean Soup

Leftovers? Lucky you. Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When you reheat it, do it over low heat so everything warms evenly. Add a bit of water if it’s too thick.

If you want to freeze it, let it cool fully first. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little space at the top. It keeps for up to three months, and thawing it overnight in the fridge makes it just as good as new.

Pro tip: warm it up with a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of olive oil right before serving — it brightens the flavor and makes it taste freshly made.

8) Try these Soup recipes next!

9) Portuguese Bean Soup