Soulful Cocido Stew

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Spanish cocido lebaniego is transformed into a soulful dish by incorporating Southern ingredients and flavors. The original recipe typically includes white beans, cabbage, and turnips, which are replaced with collard greens, okra, and sweet potatoes to give it a distinct Southern touch. Additionally, the seasonings are adjusted to include soul food spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, and thyme, enhancing the overall flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Cocido lebaniego, so you can check it out.

• 1 lb (450g) beef stew meat, cubed 1 lb (450g) beef stew meat, cubed
• 8 oz (225g) smoked sausage, sliced 8 oz (225g) smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 ham hock 1 ham hock
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, sliced 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 1 sweet potato, peeled and diced 1 sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 cup (240ml) collard greens, chopped 1 cup (240ml) collard greens, chopped
• 1 cup (240ml) okra, sliced 1 cup (240ml) okra, sliced
• 4 cups (950ml) beef broth 4 cups (950ml) beef broth
• 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 6g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the beef stew meat and brown it on all sides. Remove the meat from the pot and set it aside.
2. 2.
   In the same pot, add the smoked sausage and cook until browned. Remove the sausage and set it aside.
3. 3.
   Add the ham hock, onion, and garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
4. 4.
   Return the beef stew meat and smoked sausage to the pot. Add the carrots, celery, sweet potato, collard greens, and okra.
5. 5.
   Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes. Add the bay leaf, paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. 6.
   Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. 7.
   Remove the bay leaf and ham hock from the stew. Shred the meat from the ham hock and return it to the pot.
8. 8.
   Adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the Soulful Cocido Stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Smoked sausage — Choose a high-quality smoked sausage with a robust flavor to enhance the taste of the stew.
• Collard greens — Remove the tough stems before chopping the collard greens to ensure a tender texture.
• Okra — To reduce the sliminess of okra, you can blanch it in boiling water for a few minutes before adding it to the stew.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Serve the stew with cornbread or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Make a larger batch and freeze the leftovers for a quick and satisfying meal on a busy day.
• Experiment with different types of smoked sausage to add variety to the stew.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and add it to the pot during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Serving advice

Serve the Soulful Cocido Stew in deep bowls, allowing the rich broth to surround the tender meat and vegetables. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, arrange some of the cooked vegetables on top of the stew, creating an inviting and colorful display. Serve the stew with a side of cornbread or a slice of crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.