Spicy Spanish Stew

Spicy Spanish Stew Recipe

Region / culture: Spain | Servings: 4

Introduction

Spicy Spanish Stew is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines the bold flavors of chorizo, ham, and paprika with the freshness of vegetables and eggs. This stew is perfect for a cozy dinner on a cold evening or for a weekend brunch with friends and family.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Spanish cuisine, which is known for its use of bold spices and fresh ingredients. Stews have been a staple in Spanish cooking for centuries, as they are a great way to combine different flavors and textures in one pot.

Ingredients

100 g chorizo sausage, sliced (or other dry, spicy sausage)
4 slices Parma ham, chopped
1 red onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 sweet pepper, chopped
6 button mushrooms, sliced
1 (14 oz (397 g)) can chopped tomatoes
0.5 cup water
1 tsp paprika
salt and pepper
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup parsley, chopped
4 fresh eggs

How to prepare

In a large and deep frying pan, fry the chorizo and ham without any oil.
After a few minutes, add the onion, garlic, mushrooms, and peppers and cook for a few more minutes.
Then, add the tomatoes, water, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Cook for approximately five minutes.
Add peas and cook for another couple of minutes.
Roughly chop parsley and add it to the mixture.
Create four indentations in the stew and crack the eggs directly into them.
Now, either cover the pan and cook for about five minutes until the eggs are set or cook the eggs by grilling them in your oven.
Serve immediately with crusty bread and garnish with more parsley on top.

Variations

Add some diced potatoes or carrots for extra heartiness.
Use different types of sausage or ham for a unique flavor profile.
Add some smoked paprika for a smokier taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use a large and deep frying pan to cook the stew, as it will allow the ingredients to cook evenly.

- Be sure to fry the chorizo and ham without any oil, as they will release their own oils and flavors.

- Don't overcook the eggs - they should be slightly runny in the middle for the perfect texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Spicy Spanish Stew with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Make sure to cook the stew on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Use a lid to cover the pan while cooking the eggs to ensure they cook evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of sausage or ham in place of chorizo and Parma ham.

- Use any type of mushrooms or peppers that you prefer.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the stew ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. Just make sure to cook the eggs fresh before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Spicy Spanish Stew in individual bowls garnished with fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this stew with a glass of Spanish red wine or a light salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This recipe contains approximately 300 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 15 grams of fats per serving.

Proteins

This recipe contains approximately 20 grams of proteins per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains pork (sausage and ham) and eggs, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

This Spicy Spanish Stew is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Spicy Spanish Stew is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its bold flavors and hearty ingredients, this stew is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Spicy Spanish Stew. It was many years ago, during a trip to Spain with my husband. We had decided to explore the vibrant markets and bustling streets of Barcelona, immersing ourselves in the sights, sounds, and flavors of this beautiful country.

One day, as we wandered through a local market, we stumbled upon a small stall run by an elderly woman with a twinkle in her eye and a warm smile on her face. She was selling an assortment of fresh herbs, spices, and vegetables, all arranged in colorful displays that caught our attention. Intrigued by the tantalizing aromas wafting from her pots and pans, we couldn't resist approaching her stall to inquire about her recipes.

As we chatted with the woman, she shared stories of her family's culinary traditions and the secret ingredients that made her dishes so special. She spoke of a Spicy Spanish Stew that had been passed down through generations, each cook adding their own unique twist to the recipe. I was captivated by her tales and begged her to reveal the secrets behind this tantalizing dish.

With a mischievous glint in her eye, the woman agreed to share her recipe with me, under one condition – that I promise to pass it on to others, keeping the tradition alive for years to come. I eagerly agreed, my heart brimming with excitement at the prospect of learning the secrets of this delicious stew.

The woman began by showing me the key ingredients – ripe tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and a medley of herbs and spices that filled the air with an intoxicating aroma. She explained how each ingredient played a crucial role in creating the rich, complex flavors of the stew, and how the combination of spicy paprika and cayenne pepper gave the dish its signature kick.

As she walked me through the cooking process, I watched in awe as she skillfully chopped, sautéed, and simmered the ingredients, each step building upon the last to create a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds. I could hardly contain my excitement as the stew bubbled and simmered, filling the room with its mouthwatering scent.

Finally, after hours of patient anticipation, the stew was ready. The woman ladled generous portions into bowls, garnishing each with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil. My husband and I eagerly took our first bites, savoring the rich, spicy flavors that danced on our tongues.

As we enjoyed the stew together, the woman shared stories of her family and the joy they found in coming together over a delicious meal. She spoke of the importance of tradition, of passing down recipes from one generation to the next, keeping alive the memories and flavors of the past.

I was deeply moved by her words, realizing the power that food has to connect us to our roots, to bring us together in love and laughter. I knew in that moment that this Spicy Spanish Stew would become a cherished recipe in our family, a symbol of the bond we shared and the memories we created around the dinner table.

To this day, I continue to make the Spicy Spanish Stew, each batch a tribute to the woman who shared her recipe with me and the traditions that bind us together. And as I cook, I feel her presence in the kitchen, guiding my hands and infusing each bite with love and nostalgia.

I am grateful for the gift of this recipe, for the stories it holds and the memories it creates. And as I pass it on to my children and grandchildren, I know that the tradition will live on, a testament to the power of food to bring us together and nourish our souls.