Puchero
A hearty and comforting Argentine boiled dinner, featuring tender meats and a medley of vegetables, traditionally enjoyed on cold winter days. It's often served in two courses: first the flavorful broth, followed by the meats and vegetables.
🧂 Ingredients
- 800 g Beef (osso buco, short ribs, or chuck roast)(A mix of cuts provides richer flavor and varied textures.)
- 300 g Pork belly or ribs(Optional, but adds depth to the broth.)
- 2 each Chorizo (Argentine or Spanish)(Adds spice and color.)
- 2 each Morcilla (blood sausage)(Adds a rich, earthy flavor. Cook gently.)
- 4 each Corn on the cob(Cut into 2-3 inch pieces.)
- 500 g Winter squash (like butternut or kabocha)(Peeled, seeded, and cut into large chunks.)
- 500 g Potatoes (Yukon Gold or similar)(Peeled and cut into large chunks.)
- 300 g Sweet potatoes(Peeled and cut into large chunks.)
- 3 each Carrots(Peeled and cut into large chunks.)
- 200 g Chickpeas(Dried, soaked overnight, or canned (rinsed).)
- 1 large Onion(Peeled and halved.)
- 2 each Bay leaves
- to taste Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black peppercorns
- small bunch Fresh parsley(For garnish.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the broth base: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, combine the beef (and pork, if using), halved onion, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Cover with cold water by at least 2 inches. Bring to a boil over high heat, then immediately reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer gently. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during the first 30 minutes. Cook for 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender.
⏱️ 1 hour 30 minutes - 2
Add the soaked chickpeas (if using dried) and the harder root vegetables: potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, and squash. Ensure they are submerged in the broth. Continue to simmer, partially covered, for another 45 minutes, or until the vegetables are beginning to soften.
⏱️ 45 minutes - 3
Add the corn on the cob pieces. Gently place the chorizo and morcilla sausages into the pot, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Continue to simmer for a final 30 minutes, or until the corn is tender and the sausages are cooked through. The morcilla should be firm but not burst. Taste the broth and season generously with salt.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 4
To serve: Carefully ladle the hot broth into individual bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley. The second course consists of the cooked meats and vegetables, arranged attractively on a large platter. Serve with a side of chimichurri or salsa criolla if desired.
⏱️ 10 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Puchero has Spanish origins, adapted and loved in Argentina.
- ✓Traditionally served as a two-course meal: first the broth, then the meats and vegetables.
- ✓A beloved winter Sunday tradition, perfect for family gatherings.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Incorporate other meats like pork shoulder, lamb, or chicken.
- For a lighter version, focus on leaner cuts of meat and a wider variety of vegetables.