Hearty Cape Cod Portuguese Kale and Bean Soup
Experience the vibrant flavors of an authentic Portuguese dish with this Hearty Cape Cod Portuguese Kale and Bean Soup. This comforting soup showcases the rich, earthy taste of kale combined with the robust flavors of chorizo and linguica sausages. Instead of dried beans, we’ve opted for convenient canned cannellini beans, making the preparation quick and hassle-free while retaining a delightful texture. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner gathering or as a nourishing main dish. The inclusion of cubed potatoes adds heartiness, making each spoonful satisfying. Enjoy this delicious ode to Portuguese cuisine, perfect for any time of year!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried red kidney beans
1 cup (Soaked overnight or use 2 cans of cannellini beans)
Beef broth
5 (13 1/2 ounce) cans (Ready to use)
Water
2 cups + 1-2 cups as needed (Additional water for cooking)
Kale
1 lb (Broken up into small pieces or shredded)
Large onion
1 (Diced coarsely)
Chorizo sausage
1/2 lb (Skinned and broken up)
Linguica sausage
1 lb (Sliced into chunks)
Red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon (Ready to use)
Pepper
1 teaspoon (Ground)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (optional) (To taste)
Potatoes
2 cups (Cubed)
Instructions
1
If using dried beans, soak them overnight in cold water. In the morning, drain the beans. If using canned beans, you can skip this step.
2
In a large pot, combine the soaked or canned beans, diced onions, broken pieces of chorizo and sliced linguica, chopped kale, red wine vinegar, pepper, beef broth, and 2 cups of water.
3
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer gently for about 3 hours until flavors meld and the beans are tender.
4
After 3 hours, add the cubed potatoes and an additional 1 to 2 cups of water, as needed to maintain a soupy consistency.
5
Continue cooking until the potatoes are tender, about 20-30 minutes.
6
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Cape Cod Portuguese Kale and Bean Soup?
This is an authentic, comforting Portuguese dish that features kale, robust sausages like chorizo and linguica, and beans in a savory beef broth.
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can use two cans of cannellini beans as a quick and hassle-free alternative to soaking dried red kidney beans.
What types of sausage are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 lb of chorizo sausage and 1 lb of linguica sausage for a rich, robust flavor.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should simmer gently for about 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the beans to become tender.
When should I add the potatoes to the soup?
Add the cubed potatoes after the initial 3-hour simmer, then cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until they are tender.
Do I need to soak the beans?
If you are using dried red kidney beans, they must be soaked overnight in cold water and drained before cooking.
What kind of broth is recommended?
The recipe calls for five 13.5-ounce cans of beef broth.
How much kale is required for this soup?
You will need 1 lb of kale, which should be broken up into small pieces or shredded.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
The recipe suggests using either one tablespoon of red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar.
How much water is added to the recipe?
Initially, you add 2 cups of water, and then an additional 1 to 2 cups later when adding the potatoes to maintain consistency.
Is salt necessary in this recipe?
Salt is optional; the recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon or adjusting to taste before serving.
How should the onion be prepared?
One large onion should be diced coarsely before being added to the pot.
How do I prepare the chorizo for the soup?
The chorizo should be skinned and broken into pieces.
How should the linguica sausage be cut?
The linguica sausage should be sliced into chunks.
Is this soup considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy and nourishing main dish featuring nutrient-dense kale and beans.
What is the texture of the soup?
The soup is hearty and thick, with delightful textures from the beans, cubed potatoes, and shredded kale.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
You can add an additional 1 to 2 cups of water as needed to maintain a soupy consistency.
Can I substitute the beef broth?
While beef broth provides a rich base, you could use chicken or vegetable broth as a substitute if preferred.
What kind of beans are the best substitute for red kidney beans?
Canned cannellini beans are the recommended convenient substitute in this recipe.
Does the recipe require ground pepper?
Yes, it calls for 1 teaspoon of ground pepper.
Is this soup suitable for a dinner gathering?
Yes, its hearty nature and vibrant flavors make it perfect for a cozy dinner gathering.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
Key tags include soup, Portuguese, kale, beans, hearty, comfort food, and healthy.
How many potatoes are used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of cubed potatoes.
Can I make this soup faster?
Using canned cannellini beans instead of dried beans makes the preparation quicker and more hassle-free.
What makes the soup authentic?
The use of traditional ingredients like kale, linguica, and chorizo creates an authentic Portuguese flavor profile.
Do I add all ingredients at once?
Most ingredients are combined at the start, but the potatoes and extra water are added after the first 3 hours of simmering.
How do I adjust the seasoning?
Taste the soup after the potatoes are tender and adjust with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Is the kale cooked until soft?
Yes, simmering the kale for over 3 hours ensures it becomes tender and integrates into the broth.
Can I use balsamic vinegar instead of red wine vinegar?
Yes, the recipe explicitly lists balsamic vinegar as a valid alternative to red wine vinegar.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The soup has a rich, earthy taste from the kale combined with the robust, savory flavors of the sausages and beef broth.