This Spanish Potato Soup with Chorizo combines smoky chorizo, tender potatoes, and fragrant paprika in a comforting, warm dish. The rich broth creates a savory base that will have everyone reaching for seconds. The hint of heat from the chorizo perfectly complements the creamy texture of the potatoes.
This soup is a perfect one-pot meal that’s simple to prepare yet bursting with flavor. The earthy vegetables and chorizo make it filling, while the fresh parsley garnish brings a pop of color and brightness. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cool evening or serving it at a family gathering, this Spanish Potato Soup with Chorizo is sure to be a hit.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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500g potatoes, peeled and chopped
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200g chorizo, sliced
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1 onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 carrot, diced
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1 red bell pepper, diced
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 bay leaf
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4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chorizo and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and slightly crispy. Remove from the pot and set aside.
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In the same pot, add the onion, garlic, carrot, and bell pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
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Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and stir well to coat the vegetables.
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Add the chopped potatoes and bay leaf, then pour in the broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
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Once the potatoes are soft, return the cooked chorizo to the pot and stir. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
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Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Spanish Potato Soup with Chorizo
Spanish Potato Soup with Chorizo, also known as Sopa de Patatas con Chorizo, is a classic dish that combines the rich, smoky flavors of Spanish chorizo with the hearty comfort of potatoes. This soup is a perfect representation of traditional Spanish home cooking, where simple ingredients are transformed into a nourishing and flavorful meal. The combination of chorizo, potatoes, paprika, and fresh herbs creates a warm and satisfying dish, ideal for cool weather or anytime you’re craving something cozy. This is a great recipe to try if you want to experience authentic Spanish flavors right at home.
The Role of Chorizo in Spanish Cuisine
Chorizo is an essential ingredient in Spanish cooking, making its presence felt in countless dishes across the country. This Spanish sausage, which is typically made from pork and flavored with garlic, smoked paprika, and other spices, is known for its vibrant red color and distinctive smoky flavor. The chorizo in this soup infuses the broth with its rich, savory essence, making each spoonful deeply satisfying. The sausage also adds a bit of spice, which perfectly complements the milder flavors of the potatoes and vegetables. Whether you’re cooking up a batch of sopa de patatas or incorporating chorizo into other dishes, it’s clear that this beloved sausage plays a crucial role in creating the bold, dynamic flavors of Spanish cuisine.
Potatoes as a Comforting Base
Potatoes are a staple in many Spanish dishes, offering a neutral yet hearty base that complements bolder flavors. In this soup, the potatoes absorb the spices and flavors from the chorizo and broth, becoming tender and creamy. The potatoes also help to thicken the soup, creating a rich and satisfying texture. The use of potatoes in Sopa de Patatas con Chorizo ensures that the dish is filling and comforting, making it a perfect meal for a cold day or a cozy dinner. With their ability to take on the flavors of whatever ingredients they’re cooked with, potatoes are the ideal foundation for this delicious soup.
Paprika – The Heart of Spanish Flavor
One of the standout ingredients in this dish is the paprika. Spanish paprika, known as pimentón, is a key flavoring in many Spanish recipes, including Sopa de Patatas con Chorizo. This smoky, slightly sweet spice is made from dried and ground peppers, and it adds a deep, warm flavor to the soup. It’s the paprika that imparts the distinct, smoky richness to the broth, which blends beautifully with the chorizo. There are different varieties of pimentón, including sweet, bittersweet, and hot, each contributing a slightly different flavor profile. For this soup, smoked paprika is commonly used, enhancing the depth of the dish and giving it an authentic Spanish taste.
The Comforting Nature of Soup
Spanish Potato Soup with Chorizo is more than just a meal; it’s a symbol of comfort. In Spain, soups like this are often enjoyed during family gatherings, where the whole table can be filled with the warmth of a single pot. Soup has a unique ability to bring people together, offering nourishment not only for the body but also for the soul. The heartiness of this soup makes it perfect for sharing, whether you’re enjoying it with family at home or serving it at a larger gathering. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel cared for, as if you’ve just been wrapped in a warm blanket on a chilly evening.
Perfect for Any Occasion
While this soup is particularly ideal for colder months, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round. In Spain, Sopa de Patatas con Chorizo is often served as a comforting meal on chilly winter evenings or during festive occasions. However, its robust flavors make it a great option for any time of year, especially when you’re craving something hearty and filling. This dish is easy to make in large batches, making it a perfect choice for a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or even a comforting solo meal. It can also be paired with a slice of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a more complete meal.
Nutritional Benefits of Spanish Potato Soup with Chorizo
Spanish Potato Soup with Chorizo isn’t just delicious—it also offers a good balance of nutrients. Potatoes are rich in carbohydrates, providing a steady source of energy, and they’re also a good source of vitamin C and potassium. The chorizo, while rich in protein and fat, also offers vitamins and minerals, including iron and B vitamins. The addition of vegetables like carrots, onions, and bell peppers helps boost the soup’s vitamin content and adds fiber, which is essential for digestive health. While this soup is certainly indulgent, it also offers a balanced combination of nutrients that can contribute to a well-rounded diet. To make it even healthier, you can choose leaner cuts of chorizo or reduce the amount of sausage used.
Customizing the Soup to Your Taste
One of the best things about Spanish Potato Soup with Chorizo is its versatility. While the classic recipe calls for certain ingredients like chorizo, potatoes, and paprika, there are many ways you can customize the dish to suit your preferences. For instance, you can adjust the level of spice by using a mild or hot chorizo, or even incorporating a bit of chili pepper if you want to add some extra heat. Additionally, you can experiment with different vegetables, such as adding tomatoes for a slightly tangy flavor or tossing in some spinach or kale for added greens. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability, allowing you to make it your own while still keeping the essence of the original recipe.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Spanish Potato Soup with Chorizo can be served as a main dish or as a starter to a larger meal. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or rustic rolls, which are perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth. If you’re looking to create a more complete meal, consider serving this soup with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar, or a side of grilled vegetables. For a more traditional Spanish experience, you can also serve the soup with a glass of red wine, such as a Tempranillo or a Garnacha. These wines have bold, fruity flavors that complement the richness of the chorizo and paprika in the soup.
Conclusion
Spanish Potato Soup with Chorizo is more than just a meal—it’s an experience of Spanish culture, flavors, and comfort. With its hearty potatoes, flavorful chorizo, and smoky paprika, this soup has become a beloved dish in Spanish kitchens. It’s a wonderful way to bring the tastes of Spain into your own home, creating a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this soup is sure to please. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its taste but also in its ability to bring warmth and joy to the table. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let the rich, savory flavors of Spanish Potato Soup with Chorizo take you on a culinary journey to Spain.