Soups and broths

Sopa da pedra

Robust soup with beans, meat, sausages and vegetables, famous for the Almeirim tradition.

RegionRibatejo / Almeirim
DifficultyMedium
Total time1 h 40 min
Servings6 servings
Photo of Sopa da pedra — traditional Portuguese recipe
Photo of the traditional Portuguese recipe.

Editorial content from Empório Portugal. Traditional recipes may vary by region, family and cook.

About the recipe

Sopa da pedra is one of Portugal’s best-known food stories, associated with Almeirim.

Despite the playful name, it is a hearty soup, made with beans, sausages, meat and vegetables.

Like any popular traditional dish, it varies depending on the pan and available ingredients.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of cooked red beans
  • 200 g diced pork
  • 150 g of chouriço
  • 100 g bacon or bacon
  • 2 diced potatoes
  • 1 carrot
  • 1 onion
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Olive oil, salt and pepper

Method

  1. Saute onion, garlic, meat and bay leaves in olive oil.
  2. Cover with water and cook until the meat is tender.
  3. Add potatoes, carrots and part of the beans.
  4. Mash another part of the beans to thicken the broth.
  5. Cook until vegetables are on point.
  6. Finish with slices of chouriço and serve hot.

Tips from Empório Portugal

  • Beans cooked at home make tastier broth.
  • Control the salt because of the sausages.
  • The soup should be thick and nutritious.

Possible substitutions in Brazil

  • Carioca beans are not traditional, but they can work in a Brazilian version.
  • Portuguese sausage replaces chouriço when necessary.

Pairing

A young Tejo or Ribatejo red. Content intended for adults 18+. Drink responsibly.

Editorial note from Empório Portugal

This recipe is an Empório Portugal editorial version inspired by Portuguese culinary tradition. Regional and family variations exist, especially in seasoning, quantities and method.

Do you have a Portuguese family recipe?

Send it to the Empório Portugal community. Submitted recipes are reviewed before any publication.

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Quick facts

Prep
25 min
Cooking
1 h 15 min
Total time
1 h 40 min
Yield
6 servings
Difficulty
Medium
Occasion
Main course

Pairing

A young Tejo or Ribatejo red. Content intended for adults 18+. Drink responsibly.

Empório tip

Beans cooked at home make tastier broth.

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