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Tuga Pops − Wednesday, November 29, 2017, 9 Years ago in Soup Recipes
4 out of 5 with 19 ratings

Cornmeal and Collard Greens Soup Recipe

Savor the comforting blend of cornmeal, collard greens, and red beans in this hearty soup—perfect for warming your soul on cozy evenings!
45 min 4 servings Easy Prep time 15 min Cooking Time 30 min

Why you will love this Cornmeal and Collard Greens Soup Recipe

Savor a bowl of warmth with this Cornmeal and Collard Greens Soup! This hearty Portuguese recipe blends creamy cornmeal with tender collard greens and rich red beans for a satisfying dish. Perfect for chilly days, it brings together simple ingredients to create a flavorful, soul-nourishing experience. Gather your ingredients and let’s dive into this comforting, robust soup that’s sure to delight!


Ingredients

1/2 kg of soaked red beans4 tablespoons of lard or vegetable shortening1 small collard greens, cut into slices6 tablespoons of cornmealOlive oil (to taste)Salt (to taste)

Equipment:

SaucepanStirring spoonMeasuring spoons

With all your ingredients and equipment gathered, you are ready to get started!

Directions

  1. After cooking the beans, place it in a saucepan with the water (to taste), along with the lard or shortening and salt.
  2. Bring to a boil then add the cornmeal, stirring constantly, so that it is well dissolved and allow it to simmer for a few minutes. 
  3. Then add the collard greens and a string of olive oil.
  4. Let it boil until cooked.

Recipe Tips

Make sure to soak the red beans overnight for at least 8 hours to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. If you're short on time, you can use the quick soak method by boiling them for 5 minutes, then letting them sit for 1 hour before cooking.
When adding the cornmeal, mix it with a bit of cold water to create a slurry before incorporating it into the soup. This prevents clumping and ensures a smoother texture in the final dish.
Avoid using too much salt early in the cooking process, as it can cause the beans to toughen. Instead, add salt gradually towards the end of cooking to adjust the flavor without compromising the texture of the beans.
Adapted from a Recipe by: "TV7 dias - A Arte de Bem Cozinhar - Cozinha Tradicional Portuguesa - fascá­culo n.º 1"

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories
426 kcal
Fat
14 g
Carbs
59 g
Protein
17 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute the red beans with another type of bean?

Yes, you can use other types of beans such as kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans. Just keep in mind that the cooking times may vary slightly depending on the bean variety you choose.

What is the best way to store leftover Cornmeal and Collard Greens Soup?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat it when you're ready to enjoy it again.

My soup is too thick; how can I fix it?

If your soup turns out thicker than desired, simply add additional water or broth to reach your preferred consistency. Be sure to heat it gently while stirring to ensure an even texture.

Recommended Drink Pairings

Wine

Portuguese: Vinho Verde - This light and refreshing wine complements the earthy flavors of the collard greens and beans.

General: Sauvignon Blanc - The crisp acidity and herbal notes of Sauvignon Blanc enhance the freshness of the collard greens in the soup.

Beer

Portuguese: Super Bock - This popular lager has a clean taste that pairs well with the hearty texture of the soup.

General: Pale Ale - The hoppy bitterness of a Pale Ale balances the richness from the lard and adds a refreshing contrast to the dish.

Other Beverages

Cold Brew Coffee: The smooth and slightly sweet profile of cold brew coffee provides a nice counterpoint to the savory elements of the soup.

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Reviews (4) Add a review

Miriam Allen
Miriam Allen
Could you use kale or spinach in place of collard greens. I have never seen these available so don't really know what they would be like.
2 Years ago, Thursday, January 4, 2024

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Yes you can, we use all any of those as well.
2 Years ago, Thursday, January 4, 2024

Shirley
Shirley
This sounds delicious and healthy. What kind of red beans? I don't care for the texture of Kidney beans so I will need to substitute something.
3 Years ago, Sunday, August 13, 2023

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Shirley, the most popular red beans in North America are kidney beans, but if you want to try a different one, here are some suggestions: black beans, pinto beans, navy beans or butter beans.
3 Years ago, Monday, August 14, 2023

Tuga Pops

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