If you’re looking for a dish that combines rich flavors, comfort, and simplicity, look no further than the Spanish Chickpea & Chorizo One-Pot. This savory, rustic recipe is packed with hearty chickpeas, smoky chorizo, and aromatic spices that make it the perfect weeknight meal or crowd-pleasing dish for a dinner party. With minimal prep time and just one pot to clean, this dish is a win in every way!
What is Spanish Chickpea & Chorizo One-Pot?
The Spanish Chickpea & Chorizo One-Pot is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that brings together the earthy depth of chickpeas and the spicy, smoky goodness of Spanish chorizo. The combination of these two key ingredients is complemented by sweet bell peppers, aromatic garlic, and the unmistakable flavors of smoked paprika and cumin. The dish is typically made in a single pot, making it a quick and fuss-free recipe that can be enjoyed by anyone. It’s perfect for a comforting dinner and even better the next day!
Origin of Spanish Chickpea & Chorizo One-Pot
This dish hails from Spain, a country known for its bold flavors, rich culinary traditions, and a long history of one-pot meals. In Spain, stews and one-pot dishes have long been a part of the cultural fabric, especially in regions like Castile and León. Chickpeas, or garbanzos, are commonly used in Spanish cooking due to their versatility and ability to soak up the rich flavors of broth and spices.
Chorizo, a cured Spanish sausage made from pork, is another ingredient that plays a crucial role in Spanish cuisine, adding smoky heat to many dishes. The fusion of these ingredients—chickpeas and chorizo—results in a delicious meal that is comforting, nutritious, and bold in flavor. Whether served as a tapa or a hearty main course, this dish brings a little bit of Spain to your dinner table.
Ingredients for Spanish Chickpea & Chorizo One-Pot (Serves 4)
To make this dish, you’ll need a few basic ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. Here’s a rundown of the essentials:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz (225g) Spanish chorizo (cured, not fresh), sliced or diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1–2 tsp smoked paprika (pimentón) — sweet or hot
- 1 tsp ground cumin (optional but great)
- 1 can (14 oz / 400g) crushed or diced tomatoes
- 1–2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (adjust for thickness)
- 2 cans chickpeas (drained & rinsed) or 3 cups cooked chickpeas
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Optional extras:
- Pinch of saffron
- Splash of dry sherry or white wine
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
- Cook the Chorizo
Heat olive oil in a heavy pot or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the sliced chorizo and cook for about 3–4 minutes until it releases its oil and starts to brown lightly. This step is essential to get that smoky flavor from the chorizo. - Sauté the Veggies
Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables soften. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to bring out its aroma. - Add the Spices
Stir in the smoked paprika and ground cumin (if using). Toast the spices in the oil for 20–30 seconds to help bloom the flavors. If you’re using saffron, this is the perfect moment to add it. - Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth
Add the crushed tomatoes, broth, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir everything together, bring it to a simmer, and let it cook for a few minutes to combine the flavors. - Add the Chickpeas
Stir in the chickpeas. Let everything simmer for 15–20 minutes until the flavors meld together, and the sauce thickens slightly. If you prefer a soupier texture, you can always add more broth at this point. - Season and Adjust
Taste the dish and season with salt and black pepper. Be mindful of the salt from the chorizo, so wait until the end to adjust seasoning. If you want a bit of brightness, add a splash of sherry or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. - Finish and Serve
Once the dish is cooked to your liking, garnish it with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread, rice, or over roasted potatoes. Enjoy the hearty, smoky goodness of this dish!
Variations of Spanish Chickpea & Chorizo One-Pot
This dish is versatile, and you can tweak it according to your preferences. Here are some variations and additions you can try:
- More stew-like: Add diced potatoes or sliced carrots to make the dish heartier.
- Greens: For added nutrients, stir in some spinach or kale toward the end of cooking.
- Spicier: Use hot chorizo and increase the amount of smoked paprika or add chili flakes for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian: Swap the chorizo for smoked tofu or vegan chorizo and enhance the flavors with extra paprika and olive oil.
- Seafood twist: Add shrimp in the last 5 minutes of cooking for a delightful seafood variation.
- Brothy tapas-style: If you prefer a brothy version, simply add more broth and serve it in bowls with grilled bread for dipping.
FAQs About Spanish Chickpea & Chorizo One-Pot
Q: Can I use fresh chorizo for this recipe?
A: It’s best to use cured chorizo (the kind that’s hard and sliced) because it adds a more pronounced smoky flavor to the dish. If you can only find fresh chorizo, make sure to cook it until it’s thoroughly browned.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! In fact, this dish tastes even better after 24 hours when the flavors have had more time to meld. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 2-3 months.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! You can use vegan chorizo or smoked tofu in place of the chorizo. The dish will still be full of flavor with the paprika and spices.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
Conclusion
The Spanish Chickpea & Chorizo One-Pot is a deliciously smoky, hearty, and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re in need of a quick weeknight dinner or planning a meal to impress guests, this recipe delivers on flavor and ease. The blend of chickpeas, chorizo, and aromatic spices will transport your taste buds straight to Spain. With its rich, savory flavors and versatility, this dish is sure to become a staple in your cooking rotation.
[tasty-recipe id=”15817″]
