Cocido Castellano(Castillian Bean Soup; One Pot Meal)
Cocido Castellano is a hearty and flavorful one-pot bean soup that showcases the rich flavors of Spanish chorizo, ham hock, and tender garbanzos. Perfect for family gatherings, this comforting dish warms the soul and satisfies hunger with its robust ingredients and accompanying fresh salad.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak beans overnight (8 to 10 hours) in saltwater 3 inches over beans.
- When ready to cook, drain off saltwater.
- Put garbanzo beans, ham hock, sausage, soup bone, bacon, and onion in boiling water and cook for about 4 hours.
- When it has cooked for about 3 1/2 hours, taste and add salt if needed.
- Sauté onions in olive oil.
- Add collards and pepper to taste; stir-fry.
- Add water if needed and cook until done.
- Prepare a fresh salad of lettuce and tomatoes.
- After the bean soup is cooked, strain liquid into another pot.
- Bring the broth to a boil, tasting for salt and pepper, and use it to cook the vermicelli.
- While the soup is cooking (15 to 20 minutes), separate bones and gristle or fat.
- On a large platter or shallow serving dish, arrange garbanzos, meat, and collards.
- Serve the salad in a separate bowl.
- The vermicelli soup should be served and eaten first, followed by the main course.
Tips & Substitutions
For best flavor, use high-quality ingredients—look for a good chorizo and fresh collards. If you can’t find garbanzos, cannellini beans can be a substitute. For added depth, consider including a bay leaf or smoked paprika while cooking. Ensure to soak the beans sufficiently to reduce cooking time and improve texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the vermicelli soup as a first course, followed by the hearty bean soup with meat and collards as the main dish. A fresh salad of lettuce and tomatoes complements the richness of the soup nicely. This dish pairs beautifully with Hungarian Gulya'S for a complete meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the soup is too thick. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cocido Castellano(Castillian Bean Soup; One Pot Meal) contains roughly 215 calories, with 5g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned garbanzos instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned garbanzos to save time, but the texture and flavor may differ slightly. If using canned, reduce the cooking time to around 1 to 1.5 hours, adding them later in the cooking process to heat through without becoming mushy.
What can I substitute for chorizo?
If chorizo is unavailable, you can use another type of sausage like kielbasa or a spicy Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. Adjust the spices accordingly to retain the dish's authentic taste, or add paprika for smokiness.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes, you can create a vegetarian version by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth instead of water. Replace the garbanzos with other legumes like lentils or beans, and enhance flavor with smoked paprika and other spices.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).