A look into my family’s favourites
Every Portuguese person grows up with a bowl of soup at the start of a meal, and we are no exception. In fact, we love soup. It appears on our table almost every day, regardless of the season or occasion.
Every Sunday, I prepare two different batches for the week ahead. During the colder months they tend to be hearty, creamy and comforting. In summer, they become lighter, fresher and occasionally even chilled.
Even for an everyday lunch, we rarely serve soup plain. A spoonful of yoghurt or kefir, a handful of vegetables, a scattering of seeds or a drizzle of good olive oil can transform a humble bowl into something rather special. The recipes in this collection reflect my philosophy: simple ingredients, plenty of flavour and soups suitable for everything from quick weekday meals to festive gatherings with friends and family. I hope my soups become favourites in your home too.
A Few Helpful Notes Before You Start Cooking My Recipes
Ingredients
I use ingredients you can easily find in most UK or European supermarkets. When a Portuguese ingredient is harder to source, I suggest a good alternative. I never list water as an ingredient — if you need it, I’ll mention the amount directly in the method.
Equipment and Utensils
I assume you already have the basics: a chopping knife and a large spoon for stirring mixtures or batters. Because these are everyday tools, I don’t include them in the equipment list.