Escudella de Carn d'Olla amb Galets
A hearty and traditional Andorran stew, 'Escudella de Carn d'Olla' is a rich broth simmered with various meats and vegetables, traditionally served with large pasta shells called 'galets'. It's a comforting dish perfect for colder months, showcasing the rustic flavors of the Pyrenees.

๐ง Ingredients
- 500 g Beef shank
- 300 g Pork belly
- 2 pieces Chicken thighs
- 100 g Pancetta(cubed)
- 250 g Large pasta shells (Galets)
- 3 medium Potatoes(peeled and quartered)
- 2 medium Carrots(peeled and roughly chopped)
- 1 large Leeks(cleaned and roughly chopped)
- 150 g Chickpeas(soaked overnight)
- 1 piece Bay leaf
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
Place the beef shank, pork belly, chicken thighs, and pancetta in a large pot. Cover with cold water and bring to a boil. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
- 2
Add the soaked chickpeas, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2 hours, or until the meats are tender.
- 3
Add the potatoes, carrots, and leeks to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- 4
Remove the meats and vegetables from the broth. Strain the broth to remove any solids. You can shred or dice the meats as desired. Discard the bay leaf.
๐ก Pro Tips: You can reserve some of the vegetables to serve with the meat. - 5
Bring the strained broth back to a boil. Add the galets and cook according to package directions until al dente. Season the broth with salt and pepper to taste.
๐ก Pro Tips: Cook galets in the broth for maximum flavor absorption. - 6
Serve the escudella hot, with the galets in the broth and the cooked meats and vegetables on the side or mixed in.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โFor a richer broth, you can add a piece of cured ham or a small piece of morcilla (blood sausage) during the simmering process.
- โLeftover broth can be frozen and used as a base for other soups.
- โEnsure the galets are cooked al dente so they don't become mushy in the hot broth.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Some variations include adding other vegetables like turnips or cabbage.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the broth.