Olla-Podrida

Introduction

Olla-Podrida is a classic Spanish stew celebrated for its hearty richness and vibrant medley of ingredients. Translating literally to “rotten pot” (though there’s nothing rotten about it!), this dish is a festive, flavor-packed showcase that transforms humble beans, meats, and vegetables into a steaming, satisfying main course. Beloved for centuries in Spain, Olla-Podrida is a perfect choice when you want to serve something rustic, robust, and deeply comforting—an especially crowd-pleasing option for gatherings and family feasts.

The Delicious Appeal of Olla-Podrida

What makes Olla-Podrida truly irresistible is its depth of flavor: simmering meats infuse the broth with savory notes, while beans and hearty veggies soak up all the seasoning, creating a nourishing, one-pot meal. The contrast of textures and the slow-cooked marriage of spices ensure every spoonful is as satisfying as the last. Its communal, shared serving style is ideal for bringing people together at the table.

Building Layers of Flavor in Olla-Podrida

Olla-Podrida is all about patience—each ingredient is added gradually, melding into a stew that’s both rich and nuanced. Begin by browning meats to develop a savory base, then introduce aromatics and vegetables. With slow simmering, beans soften and fat renders, leading to a broth packed with warming, complex flavors. Traditional recipes sometimes call for several types of sausage and pork alongside seasonal vegetables, so feel free to adapt based on what’s on hand.

Assembling a Memorable Olla-Podrida

Once the stew has gently bubbled to perfection, serve it straight from the pot with rustic bread or over rice. Each guest receives a bit of meat, beans, and vegetables—a complete, protein-packed meal in every serving. For a festive touch, finish with fresh parsley and a drizzle of top-quality olive oil.

Serving Suggestions for Olla-Podrida

Serve this stew with a side of crusty baguette to soak up every drop of savory broth. Olla-Podrida also pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance its richness. For gatherings, offer small bowls with assorted pickles or olives for contrast. Leftovers improve in flavor, making this a wonderful make-ahead meal.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This Olla-Podrida recipe yields about 8 hearty servings. Each portion is rich in protein and fiber, thanks to the variety of beans and meats. Typical servings contain approximately 400–500 calories, depending on specific meat choices and additional olive oil or extras. It’s filling and nourishing, perfect for fueling an active day or cozy night in.

Olla-Podrida: A Festive, Flavor-packed Stew (Recap)

With its blend of tender meats, creamy beans, and flavorful veggies, Olla-Podrida is a complete meal that brings Old World charm and comforting warmth to the modern dinner table. Its flexibility and depth make it a standout dish for feeding a crowd or planning satisfying family meals.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and seamless meal planning.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the pork shoulder chunks and brown on all sides (about 4–5 minutes).
2. Stir in the chorizo and ham (or bacon). Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the fat is rendered and fragrant.
3. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent (about 5 minutes).
4. Stir in the sweet paprika, cumin, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the meat and vegetables.
5. Add the soaked, drained beans to the pot, then pour in the chicken (or beef) stock. Bring to a boil, skimming off any foam, then reduce heat to low.
6. Simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the potatoes (and cabbage, if using) and continue cooking for another 45 minutes, or until the beans and meats are very tender.
7. Remove the bay leaf. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

Olla-Podrida is a smart addition to any weekly meal plan—it’s filling, adaptable, and even better as leftovers! Save and schedule this recipe to fit it into your week and let CookifyAI create a streamlined shopping list that combines all your planned meals.

Planning Benefits:

• Calculates total amounts when overlapping ingredients appear in multiple recipes
• Keeps your grocery list organized by store section for faster shopping
• Reduces duplicate purchases and forgotten items
• Simplifies weekly meal prep with clear, consolidated lists

Pro tip: Schedule Olla-Podrida and your other meals together—you’ll automatically see how staples like onions or carrots are shared between recipes, making batch prep and smart shopping easier than ever.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes (not including bean soaking time)