Soups – The Mainstay of the Portuguese Diet

Light or hearty soups, meaty or vegetarian friendly, have always been a mainstay of the Portuguese diet. From the very light tomato-free Gazpacho, created before the introduction of tomatoes to the heart-warming and hearty Kale Soup (Sopa de Couves), these soups of simple ingredients and satisfying flavor can be a meal in themselves, served with some crusty bread to dip in the broth.

Celebration of the Holy Ghost

Celebration of the Holy Ghost

  The Celebration of the Holy Ghost,  Festa do Espirito Santo, according to oral history, originated from two religious experiences during the 16th century.   Since that time, particularly in the Azores, a celebratory meal of thanksgiving…
Holy Ghost Soup

Holy Ghost Soup

Holy Ghost Soup (Sopa de Espirito Santo),  from my book Portuguese Home Cooking,  is a version which happens to come from the island of Graciosa. Every island in the Azores has their version of Holy Ghost Soup .   Serves 6 1 small onion,…
Soup Season Year Round!
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Soup Season Year Round!

I love the fall and winter for the heartier dishes that it calls for, but it can be soup season year round.   The easiest thing to make is soup. This particular soup does not have a name. Not all recipes that one creates impromptu in your…
Creamy Turnip Soup (Sopa de Nabo)

Creamy Turnip Soup (Sopa de Nabo)

  Creamy Turnip Soup (Sopa de Nabo)  gives a smooth mouth feel from the pureed white kidney beans. Stray pantry items make wonderful additions to a pot luck soup.  Though dried beans are better, canned, rinsed kidney beans can be used…
Chill Chasing Soups

Chill Chasing Soups

Chill Chasing Soups are always sought after on a winter's day. I don't know about you, but when fall and winter's  chill the air, it makes me quicken my pace in the kitchen.  I increase cooking up soups and stews, using the last of my garden's…