Cocido Soup Recipe

Cocido is a hearty, soul-warming soup that is as much a part of Spanish and Latin American culinary traditions as a cozy sweater on a chilly day. The dish has roots in Spain but has evolved into various regional versions across the world. Whether you’re in the Philippines, Portugal, or Argentina, cocido remains a beloved comfort food, offering a rich blend of meats, vegetables, and sometimes even beans, all simmered together to create a deeply satisfying and flavorful broth. In this guide, we’ll break down a delicious Cocido Soup recipe step by step, giving you the full picture on what makes this dish special, how to prepare it, and the variations you can try.

The beauty of cocido lies in its adaptability-it’s perfect for family gatherings, cold weather, or simply when you want to enjoy a meal that feels like home. It’s a meal that lets you combine fresh, wholesome ingredients with slow-cooked magic. So, let’s dive into the details!

Cocido is typically a stew or soup made by combining a variety of meats, vegetables, and seasonings. The base is always a savory broth, and the ingredients are simmered together for a long time, allowing the flavors to marry and develop. The combination of meats-often beef, pork, and sometimes chicken-provides a rich, meaty base, while the vegetables bring freshness and texture. The result? A complex, deeply flavorful dish that’s incredibly satisfying.

Here’s a traditional cocido soup recipe that stays true to its roots but is still approachable for modern home cooks.

Ingredients Needed

For this recipe, you’ll want to ensure you have a few key ingredients. They’re simple yet important for building the layers of flavor that make cocido unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll need:

Meat Selection

Beef Shank (or Short Ribs): The marrow in the bone adds richness to the broth. If you can’t find beef shank, beef chuck or brisket is a good alternative.
Pork Belly: This adds a beautiful, succulent layer of fat and flavor.
Chorizo Sausage: Adds a spicy kick and depth to the overall flavor of the dish.
Chicken (optional): For those who prefer a lighter, but still meaty addition.

Vegetables

Carrots: These sweet, earthy vegetables soften beautifully in the broth, providing both flavor and texture.
Potatoes: A perfect filler that absorbs the broth and takes on a creamy texture when cooked.
Cabbage: Adds a slight bitterness that balances out the richness of the meats.
Onion: For a savory foundation, onion brings an aromatic base to the soup.
Garlic: Essential for that depth of flavor.

Herbs And Seasonings

Bay Leaves: For an aromatic note that’s not too overpowering.
Thyme: A fragrant herb that adds warmth to the broth.
Salt and Pepper: Adjust to taste for seasoning the meat and the broth.
Saffron or Turmeric (optional): For an added touch of color and a subtle, unique flavor.

Beans (optional)

Chickpeas: Many cocido recipes incorporate chickpeas, which add protein and a hearty texture.

Broth Base

Water or Stock: Chicken or beef stock is a great option, but water works just as well if you want the flavors from the meat and vegetables to shine through naturally.

Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s get cooking! Cocido may require a little patience since it’s a slow-cooked dish, but the results are well worth the wait.

Prepare The Ingredients
- Cut the beef, pork belly, and chicken (if using) into manageable chunks. Make sure to trim off excess fat but leave enough to infuse the broth with flavor.
- Peel and chop the potatoes and carrots into bite-sized pieces.
- Quarter the cabbage, remove the outer leaves, and slice the onion into large chunks.
- If using fresh herbs like thyme, tie them together with kitchen twine so they’re easy to remove later. You can also use dried herbs directly in the pot.
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas if using canned ones, or soak them overnight if you’re using dried.
Brown The Meat
- Heat a large stock pot over medium-high heat and add a splash of oil. Brown the beef, pork belly, and chorizo until they’re nice and caramelized on all sides. This step brings out the flavors in the meat and gives the soup a deep, savory base.
- Once browned, remove the meat and set aside.
Make The Broth
- In the same pot, add the onions and garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add water or stock to the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (this is called deglazing, and it’s where a lot of flavor comes from).
- Bring the liquid to a simmer, then return the browned meats to the pot along with the bay leaves, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Add The Vegetables
- Add the carrots, potatoes, and chickpeas (if using). Let everything simmer together for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the vegetables are soft and the flavors have further developed.
- About 15 minutes before finishing, add the cabbage. It doesn’t need as long to cook and will stay tender and vibrant.
Adjust Seasoning
- Taste the soup and add more salt and pepper if necessary. If you want a touch of heat, feel free to add a pinch of chili flakes or paprika.
Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each serving gets a hearty portion of meat, vegetables, and broth.
- For a traditional touch, serve with a side of crusty bread or a drizzle of olive oil.

Ingredient Insights

The ingredients in cocido do more than just fill the pot; each one has its role in creating that rich, satisfying flavor profile. Here’s a closer look:

Beef Shank: This cut is full of connective tissue that breaks down during cooking, creating a gelatinous, rich broth that’s both flavorful and hearty.
Pork Belly: The fatty layers of pork belly add richness and help balance the dish’s flavors. As it cooks, the fat melts into the broth, giving it a velvety texture.
Chorizo: This sausage infuses the soup with its distinctive spice. Chorizo is often seasoned with paprika, which gives it a smoky, earthy undertone.
Carrots and Potatoes: These vegetables absorb the savory broth and provide a slightly sweet contrast to the meats. They also help thicken the soup as they cook down.
Cabbage: While it adds texture, cabbage also introduces a slight bitterness that helps balance the richness of the meats.

Expert Tips

To make your cocido truly shine, consider these tips from seasoned cooks:

Don’t Rush the Cooking: Slow simmering is key to extracting the deep, full flavor from the meats and vegetables. Give it time, and you’ll be rewarded with an incredibly rich broth.
Use a Heavy Pot: A Dutch oven or a thick-bottomed pot will help evenly distribute heat, preventing any of the ingredients from burning or sticking.
Skim the Fat: During cooking, some fat may rise to the top. Skim it off periodically to avoid a greasy soup, but don’t remove all of it-some fat is necessary for flavor.
Make it Ahead: Cocido tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together. If you’re planning a family gathering, make it a day ahead and just reheat it when it’s time to serve.

Recipe Variations

As mentioned earlier, cocido has many variations depending on the region, personal taste, and available ingredients. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:

Cocido Madrileño (Madrid Style): This version includes chickpeas and an array of meats like morcilla (blood sausage) and cured ham, adding even more layers of flavor to the dish.
Vegetarian Cocido: Swap out the meats for hearty root vegetables like turnips, parsnips, and sweet potatoes. A vegetarian broth base can still provide a deeply savory flavor.
Cocido with Rice: Some versions, like cocido from Argentina, include rice as an additional filler. Add a cup of rice in the last 30 minutes of cooking to make the dish even more filling.

Final Words

Cocido is the epitome of comfort food, a dish that combines simple, accessible ingredients to create something incredibly satisfying. Whether you enjoy it as a traditional Spanish cocido or a regional variation, it’s a meal that brings people together. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. You can tweak it based on what you have available, adjust the spice level to your liking, or even make it vegetarian-this dish will always deliver a comforting, nourishing experience.

Cocido Soup Recipe