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Tuga Pops − Monday, January 15, 2018, 9 Years ago in Soup Recipes
4 out of 5 with 149 ratings

Authentic Azorean Sopas do Espirito Santo Recipe

Warm up with this tasty Azorean Sopas do Espírito Santo! It's a comforting beef and cabbage soup with a flavorful broth and fresh mint, perfect for sharing!
1 h 45 min 6 servings Easy Prep time 15 min Cooking Time 1 h 30 min
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Why you will love this Authentic Azorean Sopas do Espirito Santo Recipe

Get ready to whip up a delicious bowl of Azorean sopas! This traditional Portuguese soup is all about rich beef and hearty veggies simmered to perfection. It’s the kind of dish that turns simple ingredients into something truly special. Perfect for cozy nights, this beef and cabbage soup will warm your soul and satisfy your cravings. So grab your apron and let’s dive into this comforting classic!


Ingredients

4 lb (1.8 kg) beef chuck, cut into 3 pieces6 garlic cloves1/2 cup (80 g) coarsely chopped onion1/2 cup (30 g) chopped parsley8 cups (1.9 L) cold water1 teaspoon (2 g) pepper1 tablespoon (18 g) salt1 teaspoon (2 g) allspice1/2 teaspoon (1 g) cumin seeds2 bay leaves1 tablespoon (15 ml) wine vinegar1 head green cabbage, cored and quartered1 loaf Portuguese bread, cut into 1 inch (2.5 cm) slices15 whole fresh mint leaves

Equipment:

Large stock potLadleLarge shallow serving dishChef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoons

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

Directions

  1. Combine all of the ingredients except the water, mint, cabbage, and bread in a large stock pot.
  2. Now cover the ingredients with the 8 cups (1.9 L) water. Let it boil for about an hour until the meat is tender.
  3. Now add the cabbage to the pot.
  4. Let the pot simmer on medium to low heat for about half an hour until the cabbage has been cooked.
  5. Once the ingredients in the stock pot are done cooking, cover the bottom of large, shallow serving dish with the bread slices.
  6. Lay the mint leaves on top of the bread slices.
  7. Ladle the content from the stock pot equally on top of the bread and serve while hot.


Recipe Tips

To enhance the flavor of the beef, sear the chunks in a hot pan before adding them to the pot. This will create a rich brown crust that adds depth to the broth.
When adding the cabbage, ensure it is fully submerged in the broth for even cooking. If necessary, add a little more water to cover it completely, but avoid diluting the broth too much.
Avoid overcooking the beef; it should be tender but not falling apart. Aim for a simmer rather than a rolling boil to maintain a gentle cooking process and preserve the meat's texture.
Adapted from a Recipe by: easyportugueserecipes.com

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories
420 kcal
Fat
14 g
Carbs
38 g
Protein
35 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute the beef chuck with a different cut of meat?

Yes, you can substitute beef chuck with other tougher cuts like brisket or short ribs, as they will also become tender during cooking. However, avoid lean cuts like sirloin as they won't provide the same rich flavor.

How should I store leftovers of Sopas do Espirito Santo?

Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to keep it from drying out, and heat on the stove until warmed through.

What can I use instead of Portuguese bread in this recipe?

If you cannot find Portuguese bread, you can use a rustic Italian bread or French baguette. Look for a bread that is crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, as it will absorb the broth well.

Recommended Drink Pairings

Wine

Portuguese: Vinho Verde - This light and refreshing wine complements the rich flavors of the beef and herbs in the dish.

General: Chianti - The acidity and fruitiness of Chianti balance the savory elements while enhancing the overall dining experience.

Beer

Portuguese: Super Bock - This popular lager offers a crisp and clean finish that pairs well with hearty dishes like Sopas do Espirito Santo.

General: Pilsner - A classic Pilsner provides lightness and a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the soup.

Other Beverages

Mint Tea: The fresh mint tea enhances the herbal notes in the dish and provides a soothing aftertaste.

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Reviews (31) Add a review

Gloria
Gloria
When I was a little girl we would go every year to holy ghost celebration and eat soupa. What is the history of this celebration?
2 Years ago, Friday, March 15, 2024

Frederick Souza
Frederick Souza
It is much too bland. When we make Holy Ghost Soup for our feast, we have potatoes and chourico which helps flavor the broth. The boiled beef and potatoes are included so that it is not just bread and broth, but a truly hearty soup. Soup shanks are a great alternative to the roast.
4 Years ago, Monday, July 4, 2022

Octavio de Almeida
Octavio de Almeida
Meu velho, isso nao e sopa Portuguesa mas sim sopa labrega. que se cozinhava mais na Beira Alta e Tras-dos-Montes, mas agradeco imenso a recipe so falta ai o toycinho curado a sal e um chourico. Yum Yummy for my tummy.
4 Years ago, Monday, June 27, 2022

Frederick Souza
Frederick Souza
e umas batatas
3 Years ago, Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Sue
Sue
I made this last week, adding a cinnamon stick. It was so good and reminded me of what was served in the SES Halls in my younger days! Thank you!
4 Years ago, Sunday, June 12, 2022

Lorraine Magee
Lorraine Magee
When I was going up in Westport Mass. We went to holy ghost . I was in the parade we had soup as but it was just broth poured over mint and bread. Loved it wish I had some now
4 Years ago, Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Lorraine, maybe it's time to make some. 🙂
4 Years ago, Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Gail Velasquez
Gail Velasquez
Thank you and bless you for posting this recipe
4 Years ago, Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
You're welcome Gail, enjoy.
4 Years ago, Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Cyndi
Cyndi
What type of mint is used, spearmint or peppermint?
4 Years ago, Monday, March 21, 2022

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
You can use either one according to your taste.
4 Years ago, Monday, March 21, 2022

McKenzie
McKenzie
YUM! Cabbage- you do it right. Can't wait to try!
5 Years ago, Friday, December 17, 2021

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Great to hear.
5 Years ago, Saturday, December 18, 2021

Olivia Gray
Olivia Gray
Never had it with cabbage but with Kale. Is it a Reginald thing?
5 Years ago, Friday, December 10, 2021

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Olivia, some people use collard greens, some kale and some cabbage, it's an ingredient you can use according to your taste.
5 Years ago, Friday, December 10, 2021

Clinton Fernandez
Clinton Fernandez
Can you use ground cumin instead of seeds in this recipe?
5 Years ago, Friday, December 10, 2021

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Yes Clinton, but use 1/4 teaspoon instead of you are using ground cumin.
5 Years ago, Friday, December 10, 2021

Kim Carvalho
Kim Carvalho
This is exactly our recipe except we didn't add cabbage. Meat was served on a platter to be added as desired or eaten separately. Thank you so much for posting! I've been looking for our family's version (no wine) and this is it!
5 Years ago, Friday, December 3, 2021

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Great to hear Kim, you're welcome. :)
5 Years ago, Friday, December 3, 2021

Valerie Costa Williams
Valerie Costa Williams
Yes, finally a recipe with NO tomato! I will be making this next week. Let you know!
5 Years ago, Thursday, November 18, 2021

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Ok, great Valerie.
5 Years ago, Thursday, November 18, 2021

Celeste
Celeste
Hi. Is the allspice whole or grounded?
5 Years ago, Thursday, September 2, 2021

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Grounded.
5 Years ago, Friday, September 3, 2021

Jeff
Jeff
When heling at the festa i seem to remember tomato paste?
5 Years ago, Sunday, July 18, 2021

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Not in this soup Jeff, unless it's a regional thing. 🙂
5 Years ago, Monday, July 19, 2021

Fred Souza
Fred Souza
There seems to be some missing information here as there is no information about what to do with the meat, and most of the time this soup includes whole potatoes and chourico.


5 Years ago, Saturday, July 17, 2021

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Fred, step 1 is for the meat as well and I have never seen chouriço or potatoes added to this soup, you might be thinking of another soup.
5 Years ago, Saturday, July 17, 2021

Jody Salmon
Jody Salmon
I grow mint just for Sopas! Our recipe is slightly different than yours, we use good Portuguese red wine instead of wine vinegar and there is no cabbage in ours. We cook the sopas using the recipe that was cooked at the Holy Ghost Feast where I grew up and now we cook and serve it at all our family reunions!
5 Years ago, Thursday, July 15, 2021

Susan
Susan

If can remember properly, I believe my mother used to add eggs to the soup before serving..or is that another soup I am thinking about?


5 Years ago, Thursday, July 15, 2021

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Hi Susan, I think it's a different soup.
5 Years ago, Thursday, July 15, 2021

Tuga Pops

Joined 11 Years ago n/a
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