This Spanish Chorizo & Potato Stew is a comforting and flavorful dish that beautifully combines smoky, spicy chorizo with hearty potatoes and fresh vegetables.
What makes this recipe stand out is its perfect balance of rich protein from the chorizo and a generous dose of dietary fiber from the potatoes and peppers, making it a nourishing and filling meal.
It’s also a good source of healthy fats, thanks to the extra virgin olive oil, which supports heart health.
With a moderate calorie count and a good mix of vitamins and minerals like vitamin C and potassium, this stew offers a wholesome boost to your everyday diet.
Quick to prepare and easy to customize, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping, delivering a satisfying and warm dish without complicated steps or ingredients.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Heavy-Bottomed Stock Pot
Essential for even heat distribution and slow simmering, this pot ensures your stew cooks uniformly without hot spots, perfect for tenderizing potatoes and melding flavors. A versatile addition for soups, stews, and sauces.
Sharp Chef’s Knife
Precision chopping of onions, garlic, and peppers is crucial here. A high-quality chef’s knife makes prep safer, faster, and more efficient, benefiting every cooking task.
Wooden Spoon
Ideal for stirring the stew without scratching cookware, it offers great control for mixing ingredients and scraping the pot’s bottom to prevent sticking or burning.
Measuring Spoon
Accurate seasoning with paprika, salt, and pepper enhances flavor balance. Reliable measuring spoons ensure consistent results, critical in every kitchen.
Potato Masher or Fork
Mashing a few potatoes to thicken the stew adds creamy texture and richness. A sturdy masher or fork is handy for this and various kitchen tasks.
Flavorful Spanish Chorizo and Potato Stew
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Vegetables and Chorizo: Begin by finely dicing the onion to ensure it cooks evenly and melts into the stew. Peel and roughly chop the garlic cloves to release their robust flavor during cooking. Finely chop the green bell pepper to add a fresh, slightly sweet crunch. Peel the potatoes and cut them into uniform 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) chunks so they cook through at the same rate. Slice the Spanish chorizo into 1/4-inch (0.625 cm) thick rounds to maximize its smoky flavor release.
- Sauté the Aromatics and Chorizo: Heat a heavy-bottomed stock pot over medium heat and pour in 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the diced onion, chopped garlic, and green bell pepper. Stir frequently as the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the sliced chorizo and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the fat to render and infuse the pot with rich smoky aroma.
- Add Spices, Potatoes, and Seasonings: Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of sweet smoked Spanish paprika, stirring quickly to coat the ingredients and release the spice’s vibrant color and smoky depth. Add the potato pieces to the pot, season generously with sea salt and a dash of black pepper, and gently mix everything until the potatoes are well coated in the seasoned oil and spices.
- Simmer the Stew: Pour in 3 cups (710 ml) of cold water, enough to just cover the ingredients. Add one bay leaf to infuse a subtle herbal note. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low-medium. Let the stew simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Thicken and Finish: Carefully remove a couple of potato chunks from the pot and mash them with a fork until smooth. Return the mashed potatoes to the stew and stir thoroughly to thicken the broth and add creamy texture. Remove the pot from heat, discard the bay leaf, and sprinkle a handful of freshly chopped parsley over the stew for a burst of fresh color and flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the stew into shallow bowls while still hot. The hearty mix of smoky chorizo, tender potatoes, and vibrant vegetables makes this dish incredibly satisfying. Serve immediately and enjoy a warm, comforting meal that is both nutritious and full of Spanish flair.
Notes
- Use authentic Spanish chorizo for the best smoky and slightly spicy flavor—avoid substitutes to keep the traditional taste.
- Adjust the amount of paprika based on your preference for smokiness and heat.
- This stew can be made in advance and tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
- For a thicker stew, mash more potatoes or cook uncovered for the last 5 minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Chef’s Insider Tips for Flavor
To elevate the depth of this Spanish Chorizo & Potato Stew, start by choosing high-quality, authentic Spanish chorizo, as its smoky and slightly spicy profile forms the backbone of the dish.
When sautéing the aromatics, be patient and cook the onions until fully translucent to develop natural sweetness, which balances the chorizo’s richness.
Don’t rush the simmering step; low and slow cooking allows the potatoes to absorb the flavors fully while thickening the broth naturally.
If you prefer a thicker stew, don’t hesitate to mash more potatoes or cook uncovered near the end to reduce excess liquid. Fresh herbs like parsley added right before serving brighten the flavors and add freshness, so avoid cooking them for too long.
Best Serving Ideas and Pairings
This hearty stew pairs wonderfully with a simple crusty bread or toasted baguette, perfect for dipping into the rich, smoky broth.
For a light side, a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the savory stew.
If you want to complement the Spanish theme, try serving with a glass of robust red wine such as Tempranillo or Garnacha, which complements the smoky chorizo beautifully.
For a family-style meal, serve the stew in a large, rustic bowl garnished with extra parsley and some fresh lemon wedges on the side to add a touch of brightness.
Smart Storage Tips for Leftovers
Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
Properly stored in the refrigerator, leftovers will keep well for up to three days.
When reheating, gently warm the stew on the stovetop over low heat to avoid drying it out, stirring occasionally to maintain an even texture.
If you want to freeze the stew, portion it into freezer-safe containers and consume within two months for best quality.
To thaw, place the container in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat thoroughly before serving.
Common Questions and Helpful Answers
Q1: Can I substitute the Spanish chorizo?
While you can use other sausages, authentic Spanish chorizo has a unique smoky flavor essential to the recipe’s character. If unavailable, choose a smoky, cured sausage for a similar taste.
Q2: Is this stew gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making this stew safe for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
Q3: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the chorizo and substitute with smoked paprika and smoked tofu or mushrooms for that rich, smoky flavor.
Q4: How can I thicken the stew if it’s too watery?
Mash some of the cooked potatoes in the stew or simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce excess liquid and achieve the desired consistency.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or drying out. Avoid microwave reheating as it may cause uneven warming.
This recipe has been adapted and simplified from the original version by spainonafork. We’ve refined the steps for a smoother cooking experience and added helpful notes, nutrition insights, and essential kitchen tools to make it even easier for home cooks.
Jessica T. Brown is the founder of KitchenHush.com, a platform born out of her deep love for cooking and the quiet joy found in the kitchen. From a young age, Jessica discovered that the kitchen wasn’t just a place to prepare meals—it was a space for connection, creativity, and comfort. Inspired by those early memories, she created Kitchen Hush to share that experience with home cooks everywhere.