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Escudella is a traditional Catalan winter stew, rich in flavor and warmth. Originating from Catalonia, especially in the Pyrenees mountains, this dish is typically enjoyed during the colder months and festive occasions. The hearty soup is made with a variety of meats, vegetables, and beans, often served in two parts: the broth as a starter and the meat and vegetables as the main course. Escudella is perfect for family gatherings and offers a taste of authentic Catalan cuisine.
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) beef shank or stew meat, cut into chunks
1/2 lb (225g) pork ribs, cut into pieces
1/2 lb (225g) sausage (such as butifarra), sliced
1/2 lb (225g) chicken thighs or drumsticks
1 onion, peeled and quartered
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 leek, cleaned and chopped
1/2 cup (90g) dried white beans (soaked overnight)
1/2 cup (75g) rice
1 bay leaf
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
10 cups (2.4L) water
Instructions
Prepare the Broth In a large stockpot, combine the beef, pork, chicken, onion, carrots, potatoes, leek, bay leaf, and garlic. Add the soaked beans and rice. Pour in the water and bring to a boil.
Simmer the Soup Once boiling, lower the heat and let the broth simmer for about 2-3 hours, skimming any foam that rises to the surface. Add salt and pepper to taste. The longer you cook, the richer the broth will become.
Add the Sausage In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the sausage slices and continue simmering.
Serve the Broth Once cooked, remove the meats and vegetables from the pot. Serve the broth first in bowls as a soup starter.
Serve the Meat and Vegetables After serving the broth, place the cooked meats and vegetables on a separate platter. They can be served as the main course, often with some crusty bread.
Serving Escudella is traditionally served in two parts: the rich broth as a first course, followed by the meats and vegetables as the second course. This dish is perfect for a hearty family meal and is often accompanied by a good glass of red wine or cider.
Escudella is a satisfying and nourishing Catalan stew, offering deep flavors and hearty ingredients. This dish is not only a great comfort food but also a way to experience the essence of Catalan traditions and festive gatherings.
