Spanish Potato Soup with Chorizo

This Rustic Spanish Chorizo & Potato Stew brings together the earthy comfort of tender potatoes with the bold, smoky richness of Spanish chorizo. Each spoonful delivers warmth and depth, thanks to aromatic paprika and fresh parsley that brighten the dish just before serving.

Perfect for a cozy night in, this one-pot wonder is both simple and impressive. The vibrant colors, hearty textures, and homestyle flavors make it a standout addition to your weeknight rotation or even a blog-worthy autumn feature.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/2 pound Spanish chorizo, sliced

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1 carrot, diced

• 1 stalk celery, diced

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 bay leaf

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

• Optional: a splash of sherry or white wine

Directions:

1. In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the sliced chorizo and sauté until it begins to release its oils and turn golden, about 3–4 minutes.

2. Add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, and garlic to the pot. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables soften.

3. Stir in the smoked paprika, coating the vegetables and chorizo.

4. Add the cubed potatoes, broth, bay leaf, and (optional) sherry or wine. Bring to a gentle boil.

5. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook 15–20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

6. Remove the bay leaf. Season with salt, black pepper, and stir in fresh parsley.

7. Serve warm, drizzling with extra olive oil or garnish with crusty bread if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings

When it comes to soul-warming comfort food with bold character, few dishes hit the spot like Spanish Potato Soup with Chorizo. This rustic, deeply flavorful soup showcases the heart of Spanish cuisine: simplicity elevated by the clever use of spices, regional ingredients, and time-honored cooking methods. A staple in Spanish households particularly in northern and central Spain—this dish is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug on a chilly evening.

In this article, we dive into the rich cultural roots, the art of flavor layering, key ingredients that define this dish, variations you can try, its nutritional profile, and practical tips to get it just right every time.

A Taste of Spain: Historical and Cultural Roots

Chorizo and potatoes are two deeply rooted ingredients in Spanish gastronomy. Chorizo a dry-cured sausage flavored with paprika can be found in nearly every Spanish pantry. Known for its smoky, slightly spicy character, it has been a culinary cornerstone for centuries.

Potatoes, while native to the Americas, became widespread in Spanish cuisine after their introduction in the 16th century. The combination of chorizo and potatoes reflects the historical evolution of Spanish rural cooking: high-flavor, affordable, and filling meals made from pantry staples.

This soup has evolved from the Spanish tradition of “cocina de aprove chamiento” or “make-do cooking,” where leftovers and simple ingredients are transformed into satisfying dishes. It’s a soup that tells a story of farms, family tables, and regional pride.

What Makes This Soup Stand Out?

At its core, Spanish Potato Soup with Chorizo is all about layers of flavor built from a minimal but thoughtful ingredient list.

The base is often built with sautéed aromatics like onions and garlic, followed by the introduction of smoky pimentón (Spanish paprika) and chorizo, which release oils that tint the entire broth a deep amber. Diced potatoes absorb the essence of the sausage and spices as they simmer, resulting in a rich and hearty consistency. Some versions also include carrots, celery, leeks, or even kale for additional texture and nutrition.

The soup is usually finished with a sprinkle of chopped parsley, and in some cases, a glug of high-quality Spanish olive oil or a splash of sherry vinegar for a touch of acidity. The result? A warming, comforting bowl of flavor-packed soup that’s both rustic and refined.

The Role of Chorizo: Choose Wisely

Not all chorizos are created equal, and your choice of sausage will heavily influence the flavor of the final dish.

• Spanish Chorizo (cured): The most common for this recipe. It’s smoky, slightly spicy, and firm, which means it holds its shape well when cooked.
• Chorizo fresco (raw): Found in some regional Spanish dishes, this version releases more fat and has a meatier texture.
• Substitutions: If you can’t find authentic Spanish chorizo, Portuguese linguiça or even andouille sausage can work in a pinch, though the flavor will be different.

For a more traditional experience, opt for a mild or spicy chorizo de la vera, made with smoked paprika from Extremadura, which imparts that iconic flavor.

Potatoes: More Than a Filler

Potatoes in this dish are not just there to bulk things up. They are the silent hero that absorbs the broth, softens the heat, and balances the richness of the chorizo. Waxy varieties like Yukon Gold hold their shape well and provide a buttery finish, while starchy varieties like Russet will break down a bit, thickening the soup.

A combination of the two creates a balanced texture chunks of intact potato amid a lightly thickened broth.

Customizations and Regional Variations

One of the joys of this dish is how easily it adapts to different regions and preferences.

Add Greens

In Galicia, it’s common to add grelos (turnip greens) or kale to the soup for a peppery, earthy note.

Make It Creamy

While the classic version is broth-based, some cooks like to blend a portion of the soup before serving to create a velvety texture, then stir in a bit of cream or milk.

Vegetarian Twist

To make a vegetarian version, omit the chorizo and use smoked paprika, liquid smoke, or smoked sun-dried tomatoes to capture the signature flavor profile. Add chickpeas for protein and texture.

Add Legumes

In some areas, you’ll find versions that include white beans or lentils, making it an even more filling meal.

Nutritional Benefits

While comforting and indulgent, Spanish Potato Soup with Chorizo also offers a solid nutritional profile, particularly if made mindfully.

• Protein: Chorizo adds a substantial dose of protein and iron.
• Vitamins & Minerals: Potatoes offer potassium and vitamin C; vegetables like carrots and celery boost vitamin A and fiber.
• Healthy Fats: Using extra virgin olive oil instead of butter or animal fats increases heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

To reduce sodium or fat, opt for low-sodium broth and use less chorizo, focusing more on vegetables and spices to build flavor.

Cooking Tips for Success

Here are a few expert tips to elevate your soup from good to unforgettable:

• Don’t rush the sauté. Allow the onions and garlic to soften fully before adding other ingredients. This builds the first layer of flavor.
• Cook chorizo separately first. Rendering its fat before combining with other ingredients adds depth and prevents it from overpowering the broth.
• Deglaze the pot. After browning the sausage and vegetables, deglazing with a splash of wine or broth lifts the browned bits off the bottom of the pot these bits are flavor gold.
• Let it rest. Like many stews and soups, this one tastes even better the next day, after the flavors have melded further.

When and How to Serve It

This soup is an all-season favorite, but it shines especially in fall and winter, when the body craves warmth and comfort.

Serve it with:

• Rustic crusty bread (perfect for mopping up broth)
• A side of manchego cheese
• A glass of Rioja or Tempranillo, for a truly Spanish dining experience

It works just as well as a light dinner, a hearty lunch, or even as a starter for a multi-course Spanish-themed meal.

Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Dish

Spanish Potato Soup with Chorizo is more than just a recipe it’s a celebration of flavor, tradition, and culinary ingenuity. Its beauty lies in its simplicity: humble ingredients transformed into something deeply comforting and incredibly flavorful.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this soup delivers satisfaction in every spoonful. It’s an ideal entry point for anyone looking to explore Spanish cuisine, and it lends itself beautifully to personalization. Add your own twist, and it becomes part of your story too.

So the next time you’re looking for a one-pot wonder that feels like home, reaches across borders, and satisfies body and soul, look no further than this hearty Spanish classic.