Our guide on the most popular stews in Spain for you to try on your next trip.
Spain is famous for its hearty and flavorful stews, which reflect the country’s diverse culinary traditions. These dishes are perfect for a cozy meal and are often made with fresh, local ingredients.
Spanish stews are as diverse as the regions they come from, each reflecting local ingredients and traditions. These recipes are comforting, flavorful, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re looking for a meat-heavy feast or a vegetarian delight, there’s a Spanish stew to suit your taste
Below is a guide to some of Spain’s most popular stews, along with tips, recipes, and calorie information.
The best Spanish food to try, Breakfast in Spain, and vegetarian food in Spain
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Most Popular Stews in Spain
1. Cocido Madrileño (Madrid Stew)
A rich chickpea-based stew featuring meats like chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage), beef, and pork, along with vegetables such as potatoes and carrots.
Recipe Basics:
Simmer chickpeas, meats, and vegetables together. Remove the broth to serve as a soup starter. Serve the remaining stew ingredients as the main course.
Calories: ~450 calories per serving.
Tips:
Soak chickpeas overnight for better texture. Serve with crusty bread and a glass of red wine.
2. Fabada Asturiana (Asturian Bean Stew)
A hearty bean stew from Asturias made with white beans (fabes), chorizo, morcilla, and pork shoulder.
Recipe Basics:
Cook beans with meat and season with saffron for an authentic flavor. Simmer slowly for several hours.
Calories: ~500 calories per serving.
Tips:
Use authentic Asturian chorizo and morcilla for the best flavor. Serve with cider, a regional pairing.
3. Marmitako (Tuna and Potato Stew)
What It Is:
A Basque stew made with tuna, potatoes, peppers, onions, and tomatoes.
Recipe Basics:
Sauté vegetables, add potatoes and broth, and cook until tender. Add tuna chunks near the end to prevent overcooking.
Calories: ~300 calories per serving.
Tips:
Use fresh tuna for a more flavorful dish. Pair with crusty bread for a complete meal.
4. Puchero Andaluz (Andalusian Stew)
What It Is:
A comforting stew from Andalusia, made with chickpeas, various meats, potatoes, and carrots, flavored with mint and cumin.
Recipe Basics:
Cook chickpeas, meats, and vegetables together. Serve the broth separately as a soup starter.
Calories: ~400 calories per serving.
Tips:
Incorporate a squeeze of lemon for added freshness. Add rice or noodles to the soup for variation.
5. Caldo Gallego (Galician Stew)
What It Is:
A light but flavorful soup-stew from Galicia made with greens (like kale or turnip tops), potatoes, white beans, and pork.
Recipe Basics:
Simmer greens, potatoes, and beans with pork or chorizo. Season with salt and olive oil.
Calories: ~350 calories per serving.
Tips:
Use lacón (cured pork shoulder) for an authentic flavor. Best enjoyed with rustic Galician bread.
6. Olla Gitana (Gypsy Stew)
What It Is:
A vibrant vegetarian stew from southern Spain, combining chickpeas, green beans, pumpkin, pears, and almonds.
Recipe Basics:
Sauté vegetables, add chickpeas and broth. Blend almonds and bread into a paste to thicken the stew.
Calories: ~300 calories per serving.
Tips:
Adjust the sweetness by adding or reducing pears. Serve with a light Spanish wine.
7. Estofado de Ternera (Beef Stew)
What It Is:
A classic Spanish beef stew cooked with potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, and red wine.
Recipe Basics:
Sear beef chunks, then simmer with vegetables, wine, and spices. Cook slowly for tender meat and rich flavors.
Calories: ~450 calories per serving.
Tips:
Use Rioja wine for an authentic taste. Pair with roasted red peppers or a side of rice.
8. Caldereta de Cordero (Lamb Stew)
What It Is:
A traditional lamb stew flavored with garlic, paprika, and white wine, often associated with rural Spanish cuisine.
Recipe Basics:
Brown lamb pieces, then simmer with wine, stock, and vegetables. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for depth.
Calories: ~500 calories per serving.
Tips:
Best served with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of flavor.
9. Suquet de Peix (Catalan Fish Stew)
What It Is:
A Catalan fish stew featuring a medley of seafood like monkfish, prawns, and mussels, cooked with tomatoes, potatoes, and a saffron broth.
Recipe Basics:
Sauté seafood, add potatoes and a saffron-infused broth. Simmer until flavors meld.
Calories: ~350 calories per serving.
Tips:
Serve with a dollop of aioli for a creamy finish. Use fresh seafood for the best results.
10. Rancho Canario (Canary Islands Stew)
What It Is:
A hearty stew from the Canary Islands with chickpeas, potatoes, and pork, flavored with paprika and garlic.
Recipe Basics:
Sauté pork, add vegetables, and simmer with chickpeas. Season generously with cumin and saffron.
Calories: ~400 calories per serving.
Tips:
Add local Canarian mojo sauce for extra spice. Best enjoyed with local wines from the islands.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.