Spanish > Cocidos Montañeses

Cocido Montañés with Chorizo and White Beans Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound dried white beans, soaked overnight
- 1 pound chorizo sausage, sliced
- 1 pound pork shoulder, cut into chunks
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 cups water

Special Equipment Needed:
- Large pot or Dutch oven

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Drain the soaked white beans and rinse them under cold water. Set aside.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chorizo and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the chorizo from the pot and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add the pork shoulder and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the pork from the pot and set aside.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the bay leaves, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the pot and stir to combine.
6. Add the browned pork shoulder back to the pot, along with the soaked white beans and 8 cups of water.
7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beans and pork are tender.
8. Remove the bay leaves from the pot and discard.
9. Using a slotted spoon, remove about half of the beans and pork from the pot and puree them in a blender or food processor until smooth. Return the puree to the pot and stir to combine.
10. Add the cooked chorizo back to the pot and stir to combine. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
11. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 2-3 hours
Temperature:
- Simmer over low heat
Serving size:
- 6-8 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Protein: 28g
- Fiber: 8g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of dried white beans for this recipe, such as navy beans or cannellini beans.
- If you can't find chorizo sausage, you can use any type of spicy sausage or even sliced pepperoni.
- You can use beef or lamb instead of pork shoulder.

Variations:
- Add some diced potatoes or carrots to the pot for some extra vegetables.
- Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a smokier flavor.
- Add some chopped kale or spinach to the pot during the last 10 minutes of cooking for some extra greens.

Tips and Tricks:
- Soaking the beans overnight will help them cook more evenly and reduce the cooking time.
- Be sure to brown the chorizo and pork shoulder before adding them to the pot, as this will help develop the flavor of the dish.
- Pureeing some of the beans and pork will help thicken the broth and give the dish a creamier texture.

Storage Instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
- Reheat the cocido montañés in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the cocido montañés in individual bowls, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro.

Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro

Pairings:
- Serve with some crusty bread or cornbread on the side.

Suggested Side Dishes:
- A simple green salad or some roasted vegetables would make a great side dish for this hearty stew.

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the beans are still hard after 2-3 hours of cooking, you may need to simmer the dish for an additional hour or two until they are tender.
- If the broth is too thin, you can simmer the dish uncovered for a little longer to thicken it up.

Food Safety Advice:
- Be sure to cook the pork shoulder to an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food History:
- Cocido montañés is a traditional stew from the Cantabria region of Spain, which is located in the northern part of the country. It is typically made with white beans, pork, and chorizo, and is often served with crusty bread.

Flavor Profiles:
- This dish is hearty and comforting, with a rich and savory flavor from the pork, chorizo, and spices.

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this dish as a main course for a cozy family dinner or a casual dinner party with friends.

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Region: Spanish

Taste: Savory, Smoky, Hearty, Tangy, Spicy