What Is Madrid Stew?

By Alice Nichols

Madrid Stew is a traditional Spanish dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. This hearty stew is made with a variety of ingredients, including meats, vegetables, and legumes, which are simmered together to create a flavorful and filling meal that can be enjoyed any time of year.

History and Origins

The origins of Madrid Stew can be traced back to the Castilian region of Spain, where it was originally known as “cocido” or “olla podrida.” Over time, the dish became popular throughout Spain, and each region developed its own unique version of the recipe.

Ingredients

The key ingredients used in Madrid Stew include beef or pork meat (or both), chickpeas, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, onions, garlic and chorizo sausage. The dish is typically seasoned with paprika, bay leaves and saffron. Other variations may also include green beans or turnips.

Preparation

To prepare Madrid Stew, all the ingredients are first cooked in a large pot with water. The meat is usually cooked first until tender before adding vegetables like potatoes and carrots to the pot.

Then chickpeas are added to soak up all the flavors from other ingredients. Cabbage is the last vegetable to be added because it cooks quickly compared to others.

Pro Tips:

  • Cut vegetables into small or medium-sized pieces so they cook evenly
  • Add additional water if necessary during cooking process
  • Serve hot with bread on side.

Variations

As mentioned earlier there are many variations of this recipe across Spain but some localities even have their own version too. For example:

  • Cocido Madrileño: Traditional Madrid Stew
  • Cocido Montañés: from the Cantabrian Mountains, which adds black pudding, white beans, and cabbage to the mix.
  • Cocido Maragato: from the province of León, includes a wide range of meats like beef, pork belly and bacon.

Conclusion

Madrid Stew is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for cold winter days or any time you need a comforting meal. With its rich history and many regional variations, there are endless ways to enjoy this classic Spanish recipe. Try making your own version at home by experimenting with different ingredients and spices to make it your own.