Portuguese Bean Soup
Portuguese Bean Soup, or Sopa de Feijão, is a hearty, rustic soup originating from Portugal, particularly popular in the Azores and Madeira islands. It typically features a rich broth made from beans (often white beans or kidney beans), a variety of meats like chouriço, linguiça, or pork, and vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. It's a comforting, one-pot meal often enjoyed during cooler months.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This soup is a balanced dish, offering a good mix of complex carbohydrates from the beans and potatoes, protein from the meats, and fiber from the vegetables. A typical serving (about 1.5 cups) provides approximately 250-350 calories, making it a nutritious and filling option.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbs | 25 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
| Potassium | 450 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Magnesium | 45 mg |
| Phosphorus | 120 mg |
| Zinc | 1.5 mg |
| Folate | 80 µg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.3 mg |
| Vitamin C | 8 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's a prime example of Portuguese 'comfort food' and reflects the country's seafaring history, as preserved meats like chouriço were ideal for long voyages. Nutritionally, the combination of beans and meats creates a complete protein profile, and the high fiber content aids in digestion and sustained energy release.
