Experience the traditional Portuguese dish,Sopa da Pedra or Portuguese Stone Soup or Traditional Meat Soup,a savory soup filled with meats and fresh vegetables.

This hearty meal offers rich flavors and warmth, ideal for gatherings or comforting meals.

Ingredients:

  - 1 cup dried kidney beans, soaked overnight

  - 1/2 cup diced bacon or Portuguese chouriço sausage

  - 1/2 cup diced cured ham

  - 1/2 cup diced pork ribs or pork belly

  - 1/2 cup diced beef or veal

  - 1/2 cup diced chicken breast

  - 1 onion, finely chopped

  - 2 cloves garlic, minced

  - 2 medium carrots, diced

  - 2 medium potatoes, diced

  - 1/2 cup diced cabbage

  - 1/2 cup diced turnip

  - 1/2 cup diced chayote squash (optional)

  - 1bay leaf

  - Salt and pepper to taste

  - Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

  - Olive oil

Instructions:

1-Drain the soaked kidney beans and rinse them under cold water. Set aside.

2-In a large soup pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced bacon or chouriço sausage and cook until browned and crispy.

3-Add the diced ham, pork ribs or pork belly, beef or veal, and chicken breast to the pot. Cook until browned on all sides.

4-Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.

5-Stir in the soaked kidney beans, diced carrots, potatoes, cabbage, turnip, and chayote squash (if using). Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

6-Pour enough water into the pot to cover all the ingredients. Add the bay leaf, season with salt and pepper to taste, and bring the soup to a boil.

7-Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until the beans and meats are tender. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed to maintain the desired consistency.

8-Once the soup is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaf.

9-Serve the Sopa da Pedra hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy with crusty bread on the side.

This hearty stone soup is perfect for warming up on a cold day and is sure to satisfy your cravings for a comforting and flavorful meal!

Nutritional Values :

Dried kidney beans (1 cup, cooked):

  - Calories: 220

  - Protein: 15g

  - Carbohydrates: 40g

  - Fat: 0.9g

  - Fiber: 11g

benefits:

  - Protein: Supports muscle growth and repair.

  - Carbohydrates: Provides a steady source of energy.

  - Fiber: Aids in digestion and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Bacon (1/2 cup diced):

  - Calories: 220

  - Protein: 12g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Fat: 18g

  - Fiber: 0g

benefits:

  - Protein: Important for muscle repair and growth.

  - Fat: Provides essential fatty acids and supports cell structure, though should be consumed in moderation due to saturated fat content.

Cured ham (1/2 cup diced):

  - Calories: 190

  - Protein: 20g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Fat: 11g

  - Fiber: 0g

benefits:

  - Protein: Essential for muscle repair and immune function.

  - Iron: Supports oxygen transport in the blood.

Pork ribs or pork belly (1/2 cup diced):

  - Calories: 280

  - Protein: 12g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Fat: 25g

  - Fiber: 0g

benefits:

  - Protein: Builds and repairs tissues.

  - Fat: Provides energy and essential fatty acids, important for brain health, though intake should be balanced with leaner proteins.

Beef or veal (1/2 cup diced):

  - Calories: 220

  - Protein: 22g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Fat: 15g

  - Fiber: 0g

benefits:

  - Protein: Crucial for muscle and tissue health.

  - Iron: Helps in the production of red blood cells, preventing anemia.

  - Zinc: Supports immune function and wound healing.

Chicken breast (1/2 cup diced):

  - Calories: 110

  - Protein: 24g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Fat: 1.2g

  - Fiber: 0g

benefits:

  - Protein: High-quality protein that aids in muscle maintenance and growth.

  - Low Fat: Helps maintain a balanced diet with lean protein.

Onion (1 medium):

  - Calories: 44

  - Protein: 1.2g

  - Carbohydrates: 10g

  - Fat: 0.1g

  - Fiber: 1.9g

benefits:

  - Antioxidants: Contains quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory properties.

  - Fiber: Supports digestive health.

Garlic (2 cloves):

  - Calories: 8

  - Protein: 0.4g

  - Carbohydrates: 1.8g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Fiber: 0.1g

benefits:

  - Allicin: Has antibacterial and antiviral properties.

  - Antioxidants: May help reduce blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.

Carrots (2 medium):

  - Calories: 50

  - Protein: 1.2g

  - Carbohydrates: 12g

  - Fat: 0.3g

  - Fiber: 3.6g

benefits:

  - Beta-Carotene: Converts to vitamin A, supporting eye health.

  - Fiber: Aids in digestion and maintains healthy blood sugar levels.

Potatoes (2 medium):

  - Calories: 320

  - Protein: 7.6g

  - Carbohydrates: 73g

  - Fat: 0.4g

  - Fiber: 8.3g

benefits:

  - Potassium: Helps maintain normal blood pressure.

  - Vitamin C: Supports immune function and skin health.

  - Fiber: Improves digestive health.

Cabbage (1/2 cup diced):

  - Calories: 17

  - Protein: 1g

  - Carbohydrates: 4g

  - Fat: 0.1g

  - Fiber: 1.6g

benefits:

  - Vitamins K and C: Supports bone health and immune function.

  - Fiber: Promotes digestive health.

  - Antioxidants: Contains glucosinolates that may reduce cancer risk.

Turnip (1/2 cup diced):

  - Calories: 18

  - Protein: 0.6g

  - Carbohydrates: 4g

  - Fat: 0.1g

  - Fiber: 1.2g

benefits:

  - Vitamin C: Boosts immune function.

  - Fiber: Supports healthy digestion and blood sugar control.

Chayote squash (1/2 cup diced):

  - Calories: 24

  - Protein: 0.6g

  - Carbohydrates: 6g

  - Fat: 0.2g

  - Fiber: 2.2g

benefits:

  - Low Calories: Helps in weight management.

  - Fiber: Aids digestion and maintains blood sugar levels.

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin C and folate, supporting immune function and cell growth.

These values are approximate and can vary based on factors like cooking methods and specific brands used.