What Is Callos De Madrid?

By Robert Palmer

Callos De Madrid is a traditional Spanish dish that originated from the region of Madrid. It is a hearty and flavorful stew-like dish that is typically made with tripe, chorizo, and morcilla (blood sausage). The dish is often served as a main course and is a popular menu item in many Spanish restaurants.

History

The history of Callos De Madrid can be traced back to the 16th century when tripe became a popular food ingredient in Spain. At that time, it was considered a cheap and readily available source of protein for the working class. Over time, different regions in Spain developed their own variations of the dish, with each region adding its own unique twist to the recipe.

Ingredients

The key ingredients that make up Callos De Madrid are tripe, chorizo, and morcilla. Tripe is the stomach lining of cows or sheep and needs to be cleaned thoroughly before cooking. Chorizo is a spicy sausage made from pork meat, while morcilla is a type of blood sausage that contains rice and spices.

Other ingredients commonly added to the dish include onion, garlic, paprika, bay leaves, tomatoes, and chickpeas. The combination of these ingredients gives Callos De Madrid its distinctive flavor and aroma.

Preparation

To prepare Callos De Madrid, first soak the tripe in cold water overnight to remove any impurities. Then cut it into small pieces along with the chorizo and morcilla.

In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté chopped onions and garlic until they become translucent. Add paprika powder and bay leaves to release their flavors before adding diced tomatoes to create a thick sauce.

Next, add the tripe along with chorizo and morcilla into the pot. Stir well until all ingredients are combined before pouring enough water or stock to cover the ingredients. Allow it to simmer for at least 2 hours until the tripe becomes tender and the flavors have melded together.

Finally, add the chickpeas and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes. Serve Callos De Madrid hot with crusty bread or rice.

Conclusion

Callos De Madrid is a classic dish that has stood the test of time. Its unique combination of tripe, chorizo, and morcilla creates a rich and flavorful stew that is both hearty and satisfying. Whether you’re in Madrid or anywhere else in the world, this dish is definitely worth trying!