The combination of smoky Spanish chorizo, tender potatoes, and sweet red pepper makes this soup incredibly comforting and packed with rich, layered flavors. The paprika adds depth, while a slight mash of the potatoes thickens the soup naturally, making every spoonful feel warm and nourishing.
Ideal for busy weeknights, this soup is a one-pot wonder that delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Its bold Spanish-inspired taste profile brings something different to the dinner table, and it pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad. Whether you’re meal prepping or hosting friends for dinner, this dish promises to be a crowd favorite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 red bell pepper, diced
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7 oz (200g) Spanish chorizo, sliced
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1½ lbs (700g) potatoes, peeled and diced
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4 cups chicken broth
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
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Stir in the diced bell pepper and sliced chorizo. Cook for another 5 minutes until the chorizo starts to brown and release its oils.
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Add the diced potatoes, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir to coat the potatoes in the flavors.
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Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
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Use a spoon to slightly mash some of the potatoes in the pot to thicken the soup while keeping it chunky.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
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Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 345 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Heartwarming Delight of Spanish Potato Soup with Chorizo
Spanish Potato Soup with Chorizo is more than just a soup—it’s a warm hug in a bowl, deeply rooted in Spanish culinary tradition. A comforting combination of humble ingredients like potatoes, onions, garlic, and spicy chorizo, this dish brings together bold flavors with rustic simplicity. It’s a perfect embodiment of how simple, everyday ingredients can come together to create something incredibly satisfying, hearty, and full of character.
A Dish Inspired by Spanish Tradition
This soup originates from rural regions in Spain, particularly areas like Castilla y León and Galicia, where soups and stews are essential parts of the local diet, especially during colder months. Spanish cuisine is renowned for taking basic pantry staples and elevating them with powerful flavor elements like smoked paprika, garlic, and cured meats—and this soup is a prime example of that tradition.
Chorizo, a key component of the dish, is a cured Spanish sausage made with pork and smoked paprika. It comes in both sweet (dulce) and spicy (picante) varieties. The spicy version is often preferred in this recipe, as it infuses the broth with a rich, deep red color and a punch of smoky, peppery heat. Potatoes, a staple in many Spanish households, help balance that intensity with their creamy, hearty texture.
Why This Recipe Is the Best
What makes this particular Spanish Potato Soup with Chorizo stand out is its perfect balance of bold flavor, comforting texture, and minimal prep time. Here are a few reasons why it’s a favorite:
1. Deep, Smoky Flavor:
The chorizo does most of the heavy lifting in this dish. As it cooks, it releases flavorful oils that combine with the sautéed onions, garlic, and bell peppers to form a deeply aromatic base. Smoked paprika enhances the chorizo’s natural flavor, turning the broth into a fragrant, slightly spicy elixir.
2. Comforting Texture:
By partially mashing the potatoes during the final stages of cooking, the soup achieves a creamy, stew-like texture without the need for any cream or thickening agents. This adds to its comforting, hearty appeal—making it a favorite during cold or rainy seasons.
3. Easy One-Pot Cooking:
With everything cooked in a single pot, cleanup is a breeze. This makes it a perfect weeknight dinner option for busy families or individuals who crave something nourishing without spending hours in the kitchen.
4. Budget-Friendly:
Most ingredients—potatoes, onions, garlic, and broth—are inexpensive pantry staples. Even quality Spanish chorizo is affordable and goes a long way in flavoring the whole dish. It’s ideal for feeding a family or making a large batch for leftovers.
5. Naturally Gluten-Free:
There’s no need for flour, pasta, or any gluten-containing ingredients. The soup is thickened with mashed potatoes, making it suitable for people following a gluten-free diet.
6. Adaptable:
Don’t have chorizo? Use any spicy sausage. Prefer it vegetarian? Omit the sausage entirely and double down on smoky paprika, adding a splash of liquid smoke or a pinch of chili flakes for depth. Add spinach or kale at the end for a nutritional boost.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
Potatoes:
A great source of potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber, potatoes support heart health and digestion. When boiled or simmered, as they are in this soup, they retain more nutrients than when fried or baked at high temperatures.
Chorizo (in moderation):
While chorizo is higher in fat, it provides high-quality protein and essential B vitamins. Its strong flavor means you don’t need much to make a big impact, which helps keep portions moderate.
Garlic and Onion:
These aromatic ingredients aren’t just flavor enhancers—they’re packed with antioxidants and compounds known to support immunity, reduce inflammation, and promote overall well-being.
Paprika and Bell Pepper:
Paprika is rich in antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamin E, while red bell peppers add a splash of vitamin C and a slight sweetness that balances the dish.
Perfect for All Seasons
Though especially beloved in fall and winter, this soup can be enjoyed year-round. It’s light enough not to feel heavy in spring, yet hearty enough to satisfy even in the coldest winter months. Plus, it’s easy to freeze, making it ideal for meal prepping ahead of time.
Serving Suggestions
Crusty Bread:
Pair it with slices of warm rustic bread, garlic toast, or even a grilled cheese sandwich to soak up every last drop of the flavorful broth.
Fresh Garnishes:
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness. You can also top it with shaved Manchego cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, or a spoonful of sour cream for added richness.
Side Salads:
Balance the warmth of the soup with a crisp side salad—think arugula, citrus, and olive oil vinaigrette to cut through the chorizo’s richness.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
This soup stores exceptionally well. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the consistency as needed. Avoid boiling to maintain the texture of the potatoes.
Cultural Significance
Beyond being just a recipe, Spanish Potato Soup with Chorizo captures the essence of Spanish home cooking—resourceful, flavorful, and made with love. It reflects a philosophy of making the most out of simple, seasonal ingredients, and letting each element shine without over-complication.
For many families across Spain, soups like this are passed down through generations, slightly adapted but always appreciated. It’s a celebration of tradition, warmth, and shared mealtime—a story in every spoonful.
Conclusion
Whether you’re new to Spanish cuisine or a seasoned foodie, this Spanish Potato Soup with Chorizo is a recipe worth adding to your regular rotation. It’s bold yet comforting, easy yet impressive, and perfect for both solo meals and family dinners.
With just a handful of accessible ingredients and a single pot, you can bring a taste of rustic Spain into your kitchen. From its rich paprika-laced broth to the tender potatoes and spicy bites of chorizo, every element works together to deliver flavor, texture, and satisfaction.
So the next time you’re craving something hearty and homemade, skip the takeout and go for this soul-soothing Spanish classic. Your taste buds—and your guests—will thank you.