Hearty Brazilian Bean Soup Recipe for Chilly Nights
Welcome to my kitchen, where I specialize in creating fusion dishes that blend the best of both worlds. Today, I want to introduce you to a dish that’s close to my heart – the Hearty Brazilian Bean Soup Recipe.
This recipe is inspired by feijoada, the national dish of Brazil. Feijoada is traditionally made with black beans, pork, and beef, but I decided to put my own spin on it and create a vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying and flavorful.
When it comes to comfort food, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup on a cold day. And this Brazilian Bean Soup Recipe certainly fits the bill – it’s rich, hearty, and packed with delicious flavors that will linger on your taste buds long after the meal is over.
Not only is this soup delicious, it’s also incredibly nutritious! The black beans are a great source of protein and fiber, while the swiss chard adds an abundance of vitamins and minerals. And if you’re looking for a vegan-friendly recipe, this one fits the bill as well.
So join me as we dive into this bowl of goodness – I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Imagine a warm bowl of black bean soup filled with hearty vegetables, rich spices, and a creamy texture. This is exactly what you’ll get with this hearty Brazilian bean soup recipe.
This dish is a classic in Brazilian cuisine and for good reason. It’s the ultimate comfort food that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished. Plus, it’s packed with nutritious ingredients like swiss chard, garlic, and celery, making it the perfect meal for anyone looking to add more veggies into their diet.
But don’t be fooled by its wholesome reputation, this soup is bursting with flavor too. The combination of Worcestershire sauce, fennel seed, lemon juice, and soy sauce creates a symphony of tastes that will keep your taste buds dancing.
Whether you’re in need of a quick weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests at your next potluck, this Brazilian bean soup is sure to please everyone. And with options to customize it to your liking – such as adding hash brown potatoes or red bell peppers – the possibilities are endless.
In fact, this dish is so good that it has become the national dish of Brazil – known as feijoada. It’s a dish that speaks to the soul and brings people together.
So go ahead and give this recipe a try – I promise you won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Black Beans – The star ingredient of this hearty Brazilian black bean soup is the black beans. Make sure to soak them overnight in water to allow them to soften up and absorb flavor effortlessly.
Vegetable Broth – The rich flavor of vegetable broth perfectly complements the creamy black beans, adding depth to the dish.
Hash Brown Potatoes – The hash brown potatoes will thicken up the soup and add a delicate crunch to every spoonful.
Onion, Garlic, and Celery – This classic trio of vegetables will serve as the perfect foundation for a great base. They will make the recipe savory and fragrant while providing you with ample vitamins and nutrients.
Red Bell Pepper – Red bell pepper adds a bright color, mild sweetness, and an excellent mouthfeel to your soup.
Swiss Chard leaves, parsley flakes, lemon juice, ground pepper, fennel seed, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, sherry wine vinegar – Adding these flavorful ingredients will bring the soup together into something that is both tasty and healthy. The mix of acidic notes from lemon juice along with earthy hints from fennel seed creates a well-rounded dish reminiscent of Brazil’s celebrated dish- Feijoada.
These ingredients are readily available in your local grocery store and can be substituted with vegetable-based ingredients for a vegan-friendly version of this hearty Brazilian black bean soup.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have listed down all the ingredients to make this Hearty Brazilian Bean Soup, it is time to learn how to cook this recipe on your own. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Step 1: Soak the Beans
The first step is to soak 2 cups of black beans overnight in cold water. Alternatively, you can do a “quick soak” method, which involves boiling the beans for 2 minutes and then letting them sit for an hour. Drain the beans and set them aside.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
In a large pot over medium heat, sauté 1 diced red bell pepper, 3 cloves of garlic, 2 celery stalks, and 1 onion in olive oil until vegetables are soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Add Spices
Add 1 tbsp of fennel seed, ground pepper, and parsley flakes to the pot. Sauté for an additional minute.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add soaked black beans into the pot along with 6 cups of vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil then reduce it to low heat and let it simmer for about 1 hour or until beans are tender.
Step 5: Season with Sauces
Stir in 2 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce, 2 tbsp of soy sauce, and 2 tbsp of sherry wine. Let it simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
Step 6: Garnish with Greens
Add chopped swiss chard to the pot and let it cook for about 5 minutes. Squeeze half a lemon and add salt to taste.
This soup also tastes great after storing well in the refrigerator.
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to this hearty Brazilian bean soup, there are many ways to make it your own. Don’t be afraid to switch up some ingredients based on what you have in your kitchen or to suit your personal taste preferences.
If you don’t have any Swiss chard, feel free to use kale or spinach as a substitute. You can also adjust the amount of ground pepper to add more or less heat, depending on your preferred spice level.
Worcestershire sauce can be substituted with soy sauce or sherry wine for a different depth of flavor, while fennel seed and parsley flakes could be switched out for oregano or dried thyme.
If you’re not a fan of black beans, you can try using white beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans instead. The vegetable broth could also be swapped for chicken or beef broth if desired.
For a heartier version of this soup, try adding in diced hash brown potatoes or cubes of leftover roasted meat like beef or pork. Red bell pepper could also be exchanged for yellow, orange, or green bell peppers depending on your preference.
If you want to make this soup vegan-friendly, simply leave out the pork and replace the vegetable broth with water or mushroom broth.
Overall, don’t let a missing ingredient stop you from making this delicious dish. Get creative and experiment with what you have on hand – who knows, you might just create a new favorite recipe!
Serving and Pairing
Now that we have prepared this hearty Brazilian black bean soup, let’s talk about serving and pairing. The best way to enjoy this soup is with a slice of crusty bread or some crispy hash brown potatoes on top. I also love adding freshly chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a dash of ground pepper for that extra zing!
As for pairing, this soup combines well with Swiss chard or any other green vegetables like kale or spinach. If you want a more substantial meal, you can serve it with rice, too! The beans and rice combination is a traditional dish in Brazil called “feijoada,” which is the national dish of the country.
If you’re looking to add some protein to your meal, chicken or beef stew would complement this soup nicely. For those who prefer plant-based meals, you can try making a vegan version by swapping the Worcestershire sauce for soy sauce and sherry wine.
Finally, you can also add some texture and crunch by serving the soup alongside roasted red bell peppers or sauteed celery and onion. These are just some suggestions to start experimenting with – feel free to get creative with your pairings!
In conclusion, serving and pairing are essential in enhancing the flavors’ nuances in this Brazilian black bean soup recipe. Don’t be afraid to try different combinations and see what works best for you. Remember, food is all about exploration, discovery, and enjoyment!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
The beauty of this hearty Brazilian bean soup lies not only in its rich, comforting flavors but also in how well it stores and reheats. One of the best things about making a big pot of bean soup is that it can be made in advance, allowing the flavors to fully develop over time.
To make-ahead, simply follow the recipe as instructed and let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for several weeks. Thaw the soup overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To reheat the soup on the stove, simply place it in a pot and add a little water or vegetable broth if needed. Heat over medium-low heat until hot, stirring occasionally to prevent burning or sticking. The soup may appear thicker after being stored; just add a bit more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
Another option is to microwave individual portions of the soup in a microwavable bowl. Simply heat on high in 30-second intervals until hot, stirring between intervals.
If you prefer using an instant pot, reheat on the sauté function until heated through.
Whether serving for lunch or dinner, this Brazilian bean soup reheats beautifully and maintains its hearty and creamy consistency. And let’s not forget, frequent reheating and storing intensifies its flavor even more!
Tips for Perfect Results
Preparing the perfect Hearty Brazilian Bean Soup can be a bit challenging, but with the right ingredients and techniques, even novice cooks can achieve amazing results. Here are some tips that will help you create a delicious and satisfying soup:
1. Soak the beans overnight
To ensure that your beans cook evenly and become tender, soak them in water overnight. This step also helps to reduce their cooking time.
2. Use fresh vegetables
Using fresh garlic, onion, celery, and red bell pepper will enhance the flavor of your soup. Avoid using wilted or old vegetables as they won’t give you the same robust taste.
3. Brown your hash brown potatoes
Browning your hash brown potatoes before adding them to your soup gives them more texture and an extra layer of flavor.
4. Don’t overcook your greens
Adding swiss chard to your Hearty Brazilian Bean Soup gives it a healthy twist, but make sure not to overcook the greens as they’ll become mushy and lose their bright color.
5. Adjust seasoning gradually
Seasoning is essential in any recipe, but it’s important to add spices gradually until you reach the desired taste. Start with small amounts of salt, pepper, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, fennel seed, parsley flakes, lemon juice or sherry wine.
6. Simmer slowly and stir frequently
Cooking your bean stew or feijoada Brazilian black bean soup slowly on low heat allows flavors to mingle together creating that distinctive Brazilian taste we all love. Stirring occasionally and correctly will prevent scorching on the bottom of the pot.
By following these tips you will achieve better results when preparing this Hearty Brazilian Bean Soup recipe surpassing even some local restaurants in Brazil!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this hearty Brazilian black bean soup is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves flavorful and filling soups. It’s a dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other sides for a complete meal. With its rich aroma and savory taste, it’s no wonder why it’s considered a national dish in Brazil.
Through this recipe article, I’ve provided you with all the necessary information to make this dish without any fuss. From the ingredient list and substitutions to the step-by-step instructions and tips for perfect results, you’ll find everything you need to create a delicious bowl of Brazilian black bean soup.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to cooking, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at your table. So soak your beans, bring them to a boil, reduce the heat, and let them simmer until they’re tender enough to melt in your mouth. As Camila Alves McConaughey would say, “Bom apetite!”
Hearty Brazilian Bean Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 celery, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup hash brown potatoes, frozen, chopped
- 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, undrained
- 2 tablespoons sherry wine
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon parsley flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seed
- 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- fresh ground pepper, to taste
- 1 cup swiss chard, chopped
Instructions
- Place 1/2 cup of the vegetable broth, onions, celery, garlic and bell pepper in a large saucepan. Cook, stirring occasionally over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add remaining ingredients, except chard. Cook over low heat for 20 minutes. Add chard and cook for 5 minutes.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Dora
Dora is a chef well-versed in Brazilian and American cuisine. After a hard day's work in the kitchen of her restaurant, she finds the time to jot down recipes for her food blog. Her recipes are sure to delight foodies everywhere, as she strives to make each one unique and enjoyable to read.