Favas com Chouriço (Portuguese Fava Bean Stew) 🇵🇹🫘

Favas com Chouriço 🇵🇹🫘

If you grew up in a Portuguese household, chances are you’ve smelled a pot like this simmering away in the kitchen. Favas com Chouriço is one of those traditional Portuguese comfort foods that’s simple, hearty, and packed with flavour using humble ingredients that come together beautifully. ✨

This dish combines tender fava beans with smoky chouriço, olive oil, garlic, wine, and tomato sauce for a rich and comforting meal that tastes even better the next day. It’s high in fibre, packed with protein, and perfect served with fresh bread to soak up every bit of the sauce. 🥖🍅

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make while still feeling like something straight from a Portuguese family kitchen. I used frozen fava beans to keep things simple and realistic for everyday cooking, because traditional recipes should still fit into busy modern life.

Jump to:

• Favas com Chouriço 🇵🇹🫘
• About This Portuguese Fava Bean Recipe 🇵🇹
• Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒
• Why These Ingredients Work ✨
• How to Make Favas com Chouriço
• Tips for the Best Favas com Chouriço 💡
• Variations & Substitutions
• How to Serve Favas com Chouriço 🍽️
• Make Ahead, Storage & Freezing
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Related Portuguese Recipes 🇵🇹
• Make it and Show some Love!
• Favas com Chouriço (Portuguese Fava Bean Stew) 🇵🇹🫘

About This Portuguese Fava Bean Recipe 🇵🇹

Favas com Chouriço is a classic Portuguese dish commonly made in homes across Portugal, especially during cooler months or for comforting family dinners. While there are many variations depending on region and family traditions, the base almost always includes olive oil, onions, garlic, paprika, and chouriço.

Some families make it more brothy while others keep it thick and stew-like. My version sits right in the middle with a rich sauce perfect for dipping bread into. 🍞✨

Using frozen fava beans makes this recipe much more accessible while still giving you that authentic flavour and texture. I used the Ferma brand frozen fava beans, which can usually be found at local grocery stores in the frozen vegetable section.

Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒

1 large onion, finely chopped
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
2 tablespoons pimenta moida sauce 🌶️
½ teaspoon ground white pepper
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Salt to taste
1 teaspoon garlic paste
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
¾ cup tomato sauce 🍅
3 cups water, plus more if needed
½ cup red wine 🍷
2 chouriços, sliced into rounds
750 g frozen fava beans, thawed 🫘
2 Bay Leaves
1 tablespoon Tomato Paste

Why These Ingredients Work ✨

Chouriço

Adds smoky, rich flavour and creates the base of the sauce as it cooks.

Olive Oil

A key ingredient in Portuguese cooking that gives the dish richness and depth.

Paprika & Pimenta Moída

Bring warmth, colour, and a slight kick without overpowering the dish.

Fava Beans

Packed with fibre and protein while adding a creamy texture once simmered.

Red Wine

Adds acidity and depth to balance the richness of the olive oil and sausage.

How to Make Favas com Chouriço

Step 1: Cook the Onion

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until soft and lightly golden, about 6 to 8 minutes.

Step 2: Build the Flavour

Add the garlic paste, paprika, parsley, white pepper, black pepper, tomato paste and pimenta moida. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Chouriço

Add the sliced chouriço and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it releases its oils and flavour.

Step 4: Add the Liquids

Pour in the red wine and simmer for 2 minutes. Add the tomato sauce and water, then season with salt.

Step 5: Simmer the Favas

Add the thawed fava beans and stir well. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more water if needed.

Step 6: Finish & Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with extra parsley and a drizzle of olive oil before serving. ✨

Tips for the Best Favas com Chouriço 💡

Don’t rush the onions. Letting them soften properly builds flavour.
If you like a smokier flavour, add a pinch of smoked paprika.
Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice at the end to brighten the dish.
This recipe tastes even better the next day.
Serve with crusty Portuguese bread for the full experience. 🥖

Variations & Substitutions

Swap chouriço for linguiça if needed.
Add bay leaves for extra depth.
Want it spicier? Add extra pimenta. 🌶️
Prefer it soupier? Add more water while simmering.
You can use fresh fava beans when in season.

How to Serve Favas com Chouriço 🍽️

This dish is best served hot with:

Crusty bread 🥖
A simple salad 🥗
Grilled sardines or fish 🐟
Poached Eggs
A glass of red wine 🍷

Make Ahead, Storage & Freezing

To Store

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To Freeze

Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.

To Reheat

Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fava beans healthy?

Yes! Fava beans are high in fibre, protein, vitamins, and minerals, making this dish hearty and nutritious.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the chouriço and add smoked paprika for extra depth.

Can I use canned fava beans?

You can, but frozen fava beans hold their texture much better in this recipe.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has mild heat from the hot pepper sauce, but you can easily adjust it to your liking.

Related Portuguese Recipes 🇵🇹

Carne Guisada

Dobrada com Feijão

Ervilhas Guisada

Make it and Show some Love!

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