Portuguese Sopas

Name: Portuguese Sopas
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 260 min
Yield: 10
Ingredients: 3/4 container Pickling Spice; 5 Bay Leaves; 1 can Tomato Sauce; 1 Onion, chopped; 4 cloves Garlic, chopped; Dash Salt, to taste; 1/2 cup Dry Red Wine (Burgundy); 3 lbs. Stew Meat; 1 bunch Fresh Mint, tied into a bundle; 1 loaf French Bread, sliced; Water, to cover

by Debbie/Dragonfly Treasure

10 servings

4 hr 20 min

Every Summer Portuguese Holy Ghost festa's are held to celebrate 14th-century Queen Isabel, a peacemaker and friend to the poor, particularly during a Portuguese famine. Many activities are held including a free meal of Sopas to anyone who attends. We attended many in several different areas when I was growing up., as I still do with my family now.Due to the pandemic all were cancelled this year, which left my family yearning for Sopas. Mom made it regularly from this recipe that has been handed down through generations. I've made it in the past and decided to quench our Portuguese craving and make it again.

Place Pickling Spice and Bay Leaves in Spice Bag or make Cheesecloth bundle. Boil meat till tender, reserving the liquid. Place all ingredients, but the Mint, into dutch oven/kettle. Fill with water until all is covered. Simmer 3-4 hours, covered.