Cocido Madrileño
A hearty and traditional Madrid chickpea stew, famously served in three distinct courses: the flavorful broth with noodles, the tender chickpeas and vegetables, and finally the succulent meats. A true winter ritual in the Spanish capital.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Dried chickpeas(Choose good quality, large chickpeas. Soaking is essential.)
- 400 g Beef brisket or shank(For richness and flavor in the broth.)
- 2 links Chorizo(Spanish cured chorizo, not fresh Mexican chorizo. Look for 'chorizo para cocido'.)
- 2 links Morcilla(Spanish blood sausage. Essential for authentic flavor.)
- 1/2 chicken Chicken(A bone-in chicken piece like a leg or thigh adds depth.)
- 1/2 medium head Cabbage(Green cabbage is traditional. Cut into wedges.)
- 4 medium Potatoes(Waxy potatoes work best, peeled and cut into large chunks.)
- 100 g Fideos(Thin Spanish noodles, often called 'cabellín' or 'fideos finos'.)
- 3 liters Water(Approximately, for cooking.)
- to taste Salt
- 1 piece Optional: Ham bone(Adds extra savory depth to the broth.)
- 2 medium Optional: Carrots(Peeled and roughly chopped.)
- 2 small Optional: Turnips(Peeled and roughly chopped.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Soak the chickpeas: Rinse the dried chickpeas thoroughly. Place them in a large bowl and cover with plenty of cold water (at least 3 times their volume). Let them soak overnight, or for at least 8-12 hours.
⏱️ 12 hours - 2
Prepare the broth base: Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas. Place them in a very large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Add the beef brisket, chicken piece, and the optional ham bone. Cover generously with cold water (about 3 liters or enough to cover everything by at least 2 inches). Bring to a boil over high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during the first 30 minutes of simmering.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 3
Simmer the meats and chickpeas: Cover the pot partially and let it simmer gently over low heat for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the chickpeas are tender but not mushy. The beef should be starting to soften. Add the chorizo and morcilla to the pot during the last hour of this simmering time to infuse their flavor without them breaking apart too much.
⏱️ 2.5 to 3 hours - 4
Add the vegetables: Add the cabbage wedges, potato chunks, and optional carrots and turnips to the pot. Ensure they are submerged in the broth. Continue to simmer gently for another 45-60 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Season the broth with salt to taste towards the end of this stage. Be mindful that chorizo and morcilla are salty.
⏱️ 45-60 minutes - 5
Prepare the first course (broth and noodles): About 15 minutes before serving, carefully ladle about 1.5 liters of the hot broth into a separate saucepan. Bring this broth to a rolling boil. Add the fideos and cook according to package directions, usually 5-8 minutes, until al dente. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Serve the fideos in bowls, topped with some of the hot broth.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 6
Prepare the second course (chickpeas and vegetables): Carefully remove the cooked chickpeas, cabbage, potatoes, and optional root vegetables from the main pot. Arrange them attractively on a large serving platter. Discard the ham bone if used. You can optionally strain some of the broth over the vegetables, but keep the majority separate for the third course.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 7
Prepare the third course (meats): Remove the cooked beef brisket, chicken, chorizo, and morcilla from the main pot. Slice the beef and chicken. Arrange them on a separate serving platter, alongside the chorizo and morcilla. The meats should be tender and flavorful.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 8
Serve the Cocido: Present the three courses sequentially: first the broth with fideos, followed by the platter of chickpeas and vegetables, and finally the platter of assorted meats. This traditional presentation is key to the Cocido Madrileño experience.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The magic of Cocido Madrileño lies in its transformation into three distinct and delicious courses from a single pot.
- ✓Serve the courses in the traditional order: broth with noodles, then chickpeas and vegetables, and finally the meats.
- ✓This dish is a beloved winter tradition in Madrid, often enjoyed on Wednesdays.
- ✓Don't discard the cooking liquid! It's the base for the flavorful broth.
- ✓Adjust simmering time based on the tenderness of your chickpeas and meats.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Adding a smoked ham bone ('hueso de jamón') to the initial cooking stage significantly enhances the broth's depth.
- Some recipes include other root vegetables like parsnips or carrots.
- Regional variations exist across Spain, with different meats and vegetables being common.