Gachas Manchegas
Gachas Manchegas is a traditional and hearty dish from the La Mancha region of Spain, often described as a savory porridge. It's made primarily with chickling vetch flour (harina de almortas), water, and enriched with pork products like panceta (bacon) and chorizo, seasoned with garlic and paprika. Historically a dish of shepherds and farmers, it's known for its comforting and caloric nature, perfect for cold weather.
🧂 Ingredients
- 200 g Harina de almortas (chickling vetch flour)
- 1 L Water
- 150 g Panceta (pork belly)(cut into thick strips)
- 150 g Fresh chorizo(cut into 5mm dice)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp Sweet paprika
- 0.5 tsp Hot paprika (optional)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- to taste Salt
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large, heavy-bottomed pan or cazuela, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the panceta and cook until it begins to render its fat and crisp up, about 5-7 minutes. Add the chorizo and cook for another 3-5 minutes until lightly browned. Remove the meats from the pan with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat behind, and set aside.
- 2
Add the whole garlic cloves to the rendered fat in the pan. Sauté them until golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn them.
- 3
Remove the pan from the heat briefly. Stir in the sweet paprika (and hot paprika, if using) and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This prevents the paprika from burning.
- 4
Gradually add the harina de almortas to the pan, stirring constantly to form a paste with the fat and paprika. Return the pan to low heat and toast the flour for about 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent sticking and burning.
- 5
Slowly whisk in the water, a little at a time, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking and stirring until the mixture is smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
💡 Tip: The consistency should be that of a thick porridge or a very thick béchamel. - 6
Add salt to taste. Stir in the reserved panceta and chorizo. Continue to simmer gently, stirring frequently, for about 15-20 minutes, or until the gachas have thickened to your desired consistency and the flavors have melded. If it becomes too thick, add a little more water.
- 7
Serve hot, traditionally in the pan itself, with crusty bread for dipping. Alternatively, serve in individual bowls.
💡 Tip: Some variations include adding a fried bread crouton (costrón) on top.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure you stir the flour constantly while toasting and cooking to prevent lumps and burning.
- ✓The quality of the panceta and chorizo significantly impacts the flavor.
- ✓Harina de almortas can be difficult to find outside of Spain; look for it in specialty food stores or online.
- ✓This dish is very hearty and best enjoyed as a main course, especially in cooler weather.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Some recipes include a pinch of cumin or oregano.
- Lomo de cerdo (pork loin) can be added along with or instead of chorizo.
- A small amount of red wine can be added for extra depth of flavor.