Chourico Stew

This hearty Chourico Stew brings the warmth and rich flavors of traditional Portuguese cuisine to your table. The smoky and spicy chourico sausage pairs perfectly with tender potatoes, kidney beans, and a blend of aromatic spices, creating a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for cool weather.

Ideal for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this stew is easy to make and packed with bold, savory flavors. The dish showcases the essence of rustic, homemade goodness, making it a go-to comfort food that is sure to please. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth!

Full Recipe:

1 lb chourico sausage, sliced

2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

4 cups chicken broth
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil

Directions:

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and green bell pepper. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the sliced chourico sausage to the pot and cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the sausage to slightly brown.

Stir in the diced tomatoes, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and bay leaves. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Add the cubed potatoes, red kidney beans, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients.
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Serve hot, with crusty bread on the side if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes

Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Chourico Stew: A Portuguese Classic

Chourico Stew is a beloved dish in Portuguese cuisine, known for its rich, smoky flavors and hearty ingredients. Chourico, a type of Portuguese sausage made with pork, paprika, and garlic, is the star of the dish. Its bold, spicy notes are balanced by the earthy flavor of potatoes and the creaminess of kidney beans. This combination creates a filling and comforting stew that is perfect for cold days or as a satisfying meal after a long day.

The History Behind Chourico

Chourico is a staple in Portuguese cooking, tracing its roots back to the Iberian Peninsula. The distinctive flavor of chourico comes from the smoked paprika (also known as pimentón), which gives the sausage its deep red color and slightly spicy, smoky taste. It is often compared to Spanish chorizo but has its own unique flavor profile due to the different spice blends and preparation methods used in Portugal.

In this stew, chourico plays a key role in both flavor and texture. As it cooks, the fat from the sausage renders, infusing the broth with its characteristic smoky richness.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Add more vegetables: If you want to add extra nutrition to your stew, consider adding other vegetables such as carrots, celery, or kale. These ingredients will not only boost the nutrient content but also add additional textures to the stew.
Adjusting the spice level: The crushed red pepper flakes in the recipe are optional, so you can easily adjust the heat to your liking. If you enjoy spicier dishes, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or even a fresh hot pepper like a jalapeño.

Substituting the sausage: If you can’t find authentic Portuguese chourico, you can substitute it with Spanish chorizo or even a smoked sausage like kielbasa. While the flavor will be slightly different, these options still provide a smoky, savory base for the stew.
Make it a one-pot meal: For a more convenient cooking process, you can make this entire stew in a slow cooker or pressure cooker. Simply sauté the onions, garlic, and sausage first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker or pressure cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours in a slow cooker or about 20 minutes in a pressure cooker.

Serving Suggestions

Chourico Stew is typically served with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. Portuguese cornbread (broa) is an excellent traditional accompaniment, but any rustic bread will work well. You can also serve the stew with a side of white rice or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the dish.

Pairing with Wine or Drinks

This hearty stew pairs wonderfully with red wine, especially Portuguese varieties like Vinho Tinto or Dão, which complement the smoky and spicy flavors of the chourico. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with a twist of lemon adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stew.

Health Benefits

While Chourico Stew is certainly a comfort food, it also packs a nutritional punch. The kidney beans are a great source of protein and fiber, helping to keep you full and satisfied. Potatoes provide essential vitamins like vitamin C and potassium, while the garlic and onions offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

To make the recipe lighter, you can use turkey chourico or reduce the amount of sausage and increase the vegetables.

Cultural Significance

In Portuguese culture, stews like this one are often associated with family gatherings and celebrations. It’s a versatile dish that can feed a crowd, making it perfect for special occasions or holidays. Chourico Stew also reflects the Portuguese love for bold flavors and simple, wholesome ingredients, staying true to the country’s culinary traditions.

Regional Variations of Chourico Stew

Though Chourico Stew is enjoyed throughout Portugal, each region has its own slight variations that add local flair to the dish. For example:

In the northern regions like Minho and Trás-os-Montes, it’s common to see the stew enriched with additional meats such as pork shoulder or even cabbage and turnips, making it a heartier version of the dish.

In coastal regions, seafood is often incorporated, combining chourico with clams or mussels, giving it a surf-and-turf vibe that highlights Portugal’s maritime culture.
In the Azores, a group of islands with its own distinct cuisine, vinegar or wine is sometimes added to the stew, giving it a tangy depth that cuts through the richness of the sausage.

These regional twists show how adaptable Chourico Stew is, reflecting the diversity of Portuguese cuisine.

Chourico in Portuguese Cuisine

Chourico is more than just an ingredient in Portugal – it is a symbol of the country’s agricultural roots and its love for preserved meats. Traditionally, chourico was made during “Matança do Porco”, a family event where a pig is slaughtered, and various sausages, including chourico, are made. These sausages would then be preserved for use throughout the year, particularly in colder months when fresh meat was scarce.

Chourico’s versatility is what makes it so beloved. Apart from stews, it’s used in:

Feijoada (a Portuguese bean stew)

Grilled chourico served as a snack or appetizer
Arroz de Pato (duck rice), where it’s sliced on top for added flavor

The deep red color of chourico comes from the paprika, and its flavor develops through the smoking process, a preservation method that dates back centuries.

The Importance of Stews in Portuguese Cuisine

Stews hold a special place in Portuguese cuisine because they reflect the rustic, slow-cooked traditions of the country’s past. These one-pot meals are a symbol of Portuguese hospitality, as they are often made in large quantities to share with family and friends. Popular stews in Portugal include Caldeirada (a fish stew) and Cozido à Portuguesa (a mixed-meat stew), with Chourico Stew standing alongside these iconic dishes.

Economy and Resourcefulness: Historically, Portuguese families relied on locally available ingredients and used slow-cooking methods to get the most flavor out of cheaper cuts of meat and vegetables. Stews like Chourico Stew were a way to stretch ingredients while still providing hearty, satisfying meals.

Culinary Techniques in Chourico Stew

When preparing Chourico Stew, several traditional techniques are used to build flavor:

Sautéing the aromatics (onion, garlic, and bell pepper): This step is crucial for developing a flavor base, as the oils from the vegetables and the sausage release their aromatic compounds, which infuse the broth.
Simmering: Slow simmering allows the flavors to meld together, and the potatoes absorb the spicy, smoky essence of the chourico. This is key to achieving the rich, complex broth that makes the stew so comforting.
Layering flavors: The dish starts by building flavors gradually, beginning with sautéed vegetables and ending with the sausage and broth. This ensures that every bite contains multiple layers of savory, spicy goodness.

Traditional Accompaniments

In Portugal, Chourico Stew is commonly served with a few key accompaniments that enhance its flavors:

Crusty bread (Pão): Portuguese bread is often dense and chewy, perfect for soaking up the rich broth of the stew.
Broa de Milho (Cornbread): A rustic cornbread that pairs wonderfully with stews, adding a slightly sweet, grainy texture to balance the spiciness of the chourico.

Vinho Tinto (Red Wine): A glass of robust red wine, particularly from regions like Douro or Alentejo, complements the richness of the stew perfectly. The tannins in the wine help cut through the fat of the sausage, making for a balanced meal.

Health and Nutritional Value

While Chourico Stew is undeniably a hearty dish, it also offers some notable health benefits:

Kidney beans are a great source of fiber, protein, and essential vitamins like folate and iron. They help stabilize blood sugar levels and provide a plant-based source of protein, making the dish both filling and nutritious.

Potatoes contribute a good amount of vitamin C, B6, and potassium, all of which are vital for maintaining a healthy immune system and energy levels.
Chourico, while rich in fats, also provides essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, zinc, and iron, which are important for maintaining healthy blood and nerve cells.

Making Chourico Stew Vegan or Vegetarian

For those looking to enjoy a plant-based version of this dish, it’s easy to make substitutions:

Vegan chourico or smoked plant-based sausages can replicate the smoky, spicy flavor of traditional chourico. These are widely available in grocery stores.
Increase the quantity of beans and vegetables (like carrots, zucchini, or kale) to make the stew hearty without needing meat.
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the stew rich and flavorful.

This makes the recipe adaptable for different dietary preferences without sacrificing the comforting essence of the original dish.

Leftover Tips

Chourico Stew is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Here are some creative ways to use leftovers:

Chourico Soup: Add more broth the next day to turn your stew into a lighter soup version.

Stuffed Peppers: Spoon the leftover stew into bell peppers, top with cheese, and bake for a twist on stuffed peppers.
Chourico Pie: Use the leftovers as a filling for a savory pie by adding a crust or simply topping with mashed potatoes for a Portuguese-inspired shepherd’s pie.

Pairing Chourico Stew with Other Portuguese Dishes

If you’re planning a full Portuguese-themed meal, consider serving Chourico Stew alongside these traditional dishes:

Pão com Chouriço: Portuguese bread filled with chourico, perfect for dipping in the stew.
Bolinhos de Bacalhau: Crispy codfish cakes that offer a contrasting texture to the hearty stew.
Arroz Doce: A traditional Portuguese rice pudding that makes a sweet and comforting end to the meal.

Conclusion

Chourico Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings the bold, smoky essence of Portuguese cuisine to your table. Its blend of spicy chourico, tender potatoes, and creamy beans makes it a perfect comfort meal for any occasion. Easy to customize and packed with rich, satisfying flavors, this traditional stew is a great way to explore the depth of Portuguese culinary traditions while offering a filling and nourishing dish. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or a cozy night in, Chourico Stew is sure to impress!