Serves 4
| Prep Time: 15 mins
| Cook Time: 1 hour 30 mins
| Total Time: 1 hour 45 mins
You may need: Azorean Acafroa
Often the best meals remind us of family traditions while warming our heart and belly. Our chefs created this recipe for a Portuguese-style Sopa de Tomate with Tosta Mista (Tomato Soup with Grilled Ham and Cheese) for a simple and flavory Portuguese meal. Picture this: the tantalizing aroma of sizzling bacon and Portuguese-style sausage, mingling with the earthy sweetness of onions and garlic, adding layers of savory depth to a homemade tomato soup. We add grilled ham and cheese sandwiches for the ultimate comfort pairing.
This rendition is further enriched with the rustic flavors of our unique Azorean Açafroa spice, a blend handcrafted with many typical flavors of provincial Portugal. Safflower provides a subtle taste and a lovely aroma suggestive of a sweet, chocolatey, tobacco. The blend has notes of lemon and black pepper, garlic and bay leaf for a well-rounded flavor. With each spoonful, you'll taste the savory charm of ripe tomatoes, the smoky richness of bacon, and the subtle kick of Portuguese sausage, all simmered to perfection. The meal feels complete with a Tosta Mista—a grilled ham and cheese sandwich perfect for dipping into the soup. Stuffed with layers of gooey gouda cheese and savory ham, it's perfectly grilled in a skillet for a crunchy bite. So roll up your sleeves, grab your apron, and prepare for a jazzed up version of a classic meal pairing. Bon appétit!
4 slices of bacon, cut into ½ inch pieces
¼ lb Portuguese-style sausage like Chouriço or Linguica (or use hot Italian sausage), chopped into ½ inch pieces
½ yellow onion, chopped
5 cloves garlic, diced
2 large ( 28oz) cans crushed tomatoes
1 Tbsp Piquant Post Azorean Acafroa spice
½ tsp salt
1.5 cups water
4 eggs
Tosta Mista:
8 slices bread
2 cups gouda cheese, grated
10-12 slices ham
8 Tbsp Butter (softened)
We opted for gouda cheese, but choose your favorite cheese. Sharp cheddar, brie and pepper jack are all great options.
Optional ingredients add a little character and flavor but don’t sweat it if you don’t have them.
In a large pot, heat bacon and sausage pieces over Med heat. Cook until browned about 5-7 mins. Use a slotted spoon to remove the meat pieces and set aside. Add the onions and brown for 4-5 mins. Stir in tomatoes, Piquant Post Azorean Acafroa, water and salt. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, until thickened.
Using a hand blender, blend until smooth. (Or let cool slightly and pulse in a blender or large food processor).
Over Med heat, bring soup back to a simmer and add sausage and bacon pieces. Crack eggs and carefully drop into the soup. Simmer for 8-10 mins, or until whites are cooked and yolks are just set.
Make the Tosta Mista: heat a slab of butter in a skillet over low heat and add bread. Layer about ¼ cup cheese, 2-3 pieces of ham, then additional cheese. Butter one side of another piece of bread, and place on top, butter side up. Toast until the bottom slice is golden brown. Flip and toast until the second side is golden brown. Repeat for 3 remaining Tosta Mistas and serve with tomato soup!
Use this Azorean Açaflor Spice Blend for adding flavor and color to any rice or grain dish. Add in 1 tablespoon with every 3 cups liquid during cooking time.
Looking for a vegetarian alternative to use the Azorean Açaflor blend? Try our vegan Arroz a Valençiana recipe for a Portuguese spin on a Spanish classic. Our vegan Azorean Mushroom Risotto is also a fantastic choice. Wow your family with this Vegan Fondue!
Try our Portuguese Cod with Fideos (noodles) recipe for an easy, tasty seafood recipe. Or add Azorean Acaflor to a delicately poached fish.
Try this family recipe of Cacoila, Portuguese Stewed Beef. We also have a fantastic Shrimp Mozambique recipe that is a must try!
Be sure to leave comments and feedback on your meals and experiments in the comments for others to read.
Post pictures of your masterpiece meal on social media and tag us. We repost!
4
15 mins
1 hour 30 mins
1 hour 45 mins
Piquant Post spice you'll need: Azorean Acafroa
4 slices of bacon, cut into ½ inch pieces
¼ lb Portuguese-style sausage like Chouriço or Linguica (or use hot Italian sausage), chopped into ½ inch pieces
½ yellow onion, chopped
5 cloves garlic, diced
2 large ( 28oz) cans crushed tomatoes
1 Tbsp Piquant Post Azorean Acafroa spice
½ tsp salt
1.5 cups water
4 eggs
Tosta Mista:
8 slices bread
2 cups gouda cheese, grated
10-12 slices ham
8 Tbsp Butter (softened)
In a large pot, heat bacon and sausage pieces over Med heat. Cook until browned about 5-7 mins. Use a slotted spoon to remove the meat pieces and set aside. Add the onions and brown for 4-5 mins. Stir in tomatoes, Piquant Post Azorean Acafroa, water and salt. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, until thickened.
Using a hand blender, blend until smooth. (Or let cool slightly and pulse in a blender or large food processor).
Over Med heat, bring soup back to a simmer and add sausage and bacon pieces. Crack eggs and carefully drop into the soup. Simmer for 8-10 mins, or until whites are cooked and yolks are just set.
Make the Tosta Mista: heat a slab of butter in a skillet over low heat and add bread. Layer about ¼ cup cheese, 2-3 pieces of ham, then additional cheese. Butter one side of another piece of bread, and place on top, butter side up. Toast until the bottom slice is golden brown. Flip and toast until the second side is golden brown. Repeat for 3 remaining Tosta Mistas and serve with tomato soup!
We opted for gouda cheese, but choose your favorite cheese. Sharp cheddar, brie and pepper jack are all great options.
Optional ingredients add a little character and flavor but don’t sweat it if you don’t have them.