Escudella i Carn d'Olla is a traditional Catalan stew that holds a special place in Catalonia's culinary heritage. This hearty dish, often enjoyed during the colder months, is a testament to the region's love for robust flavors and communal dining. The name "Escudella i Carn d'Olla" translates to "bowl and pot meat," reflecting its origins as a rustic, one-pot meal designed to make the most of available ingredients.
Historically, this dish dates back to medieval times and has been a staple in Catalan households for centuries. It is known for its rich, complex flavors achieved through the slow cooking of various meats and vegetables. Traditionally, Escudella i Carn d'Olla is prepared during special occasions, such as Christmas, where it is served as part of a festive meal. The dish exemplifies the Catalan philosophy of using fresh, seasonal ingredients and emphasizes the importance of family and community in mealtime gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound beef bones
- 1 pound chicken bones
- 1 pound pork bones
- 1 pound beef brisket
- 1 pound pork belly
- 1 pound chicken thighs
- 1 large onion
- 3 carrots
- 2 leeks
- 1 head of garlic
- 2 potatoes
- 2 turnips
- 1 small cabbage
- 1 cup dried white beans
- Salt and pepper to taste
Note: Some variations of this recipe also include other vegetables, such as celery or parsnips, as well as chorizo sausage or black pudding.
Method:
1. Prepare the Stock:
- In a large pot, add the beef, chicken, and pork bones with enough water to cover them.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 hours, skimming off impurities.
2. Prepare the Meat and Vegetables:
- Cut the beef brisket and pork belly into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Cut the chicken thighs in half and season with salt and pepper.
- Peel and chop the onion, carrots, leeks, and garlic.
- Peel and cut the potatoes and turnips into bite-sized pieces.
- Cut the cabbage into wedges.
- Rinse and soak the dried white beans in water overnight.
3. Cook the Meat:
- Once the stock has cooked for 3-4 hours, strain it and discard the bones and solids.
- Return the stock to the pot and add the beef brisket, pork belly, and chicken thighs.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 1 hour.
4. Add Vegetables:
- After 1 hour, add the chopped onion, carrots, leeks, and garlic. Cook for another hour.
5. Add Remaining Ingredients:
- Add the potatoes, turnips, cabbage, and soaked white beans. Cook for another hour, or until all the vegetables are tender.
6. Season:
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving Suggestions:
Escudella i Carn d'Olla is traditionally served with a side of bread, ideal for soaking up the flavorful broth. A dollop of aioli, a garlicky mayonnaise-like sauce, can be added for a creamy, tangy touch. This dish is a perfect example of traditional Catalan cuisine, emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients and slow-cooking techniques that meld flavors together for a warm, comforting meal.
Nutrition Value:
1. 1 pound beef bones
- Calories: 0-50 (bones themselves have minimal caloric content)
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: Minimal from marrow, collagen
- Fat: Minimal
- Sodium: Trace amounts
- Cholesterol: Minimal
- Vitamins: Trace amounts of Vitamin B12 from marrow
- Minerals: Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium from the bones
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides minerals and collagen, which are beneficial for bone and joint health
2. 1 pound chicken bones
- Calories: 0-50 (bones themselves have minimal caloric content)
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: Minimal from marrow, collagen
- Fat: Minimal
- Sodium: Trace amounts
- Cholesterol: Minimal
- Vitamins: Trace amounts of Vitamin B12 from marrow
- Minerals: Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium from the bones
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides minerals and collagen, supporting bone and joint health
3. 1 pound pork bones
- Calories: 0-50 (bones themselves have minimal caloric content)
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: Minimal from marrow, collagen
- Fat: Minimal
- Sodium: Trace amounts
- Cholesterol: Minimal
- Vitamins: Trace amounts of Vitamin B12 from marrow
- Minerals: Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium from the bones
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides minerals and collagen, promoting bone and joint health
4. 1 pound beef brisket
- Calories: 1,312
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 96g
- Fat: 104g
- Sodium: 416mg
- Cholesterol: 384mg
- Vitamins: B vitamins, especially B12 and niacin
- Minerals: Iron, zinc, phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: High in protein, rich in essential B vitamins and minerals, supports muscle growth and repair
5. 1 pound pork belly
- Calories: 2,073
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 78g
- Fat: 185g
- Sodium: 148mg
- Cholesterol: 242mg
- Vitamins: B vitamins, especially thiamin and niacin
- Minerals: Selenium, phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: High in fat and protein, provides essential B vitamins and minerals, energy-dense
6. 1 pound chicken thighs
- Calories: 1,092
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 108g
- Fat: 72g
- Sodium: 408mg
- Cholesterol: 408mg
- Vitamins: B vitamins, especially B6 and niacin
- Minerals: Selenium, phosphorus, zinc
- Nutritional Benefit: High in protein, moderate fat content, supports muscle growth and immune function
7. 1 large onion
- Calories: 60
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 6mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, B6, folate
- Minerals: Potassium, manganese
- Nutritional Benefit: Low in calories, high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, supports immune health
8. 3 carrots
- Calories: 75
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 135mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin A, K, C, B6
- Minerals: Potassium, manganese
- Nutritional Benefit: Rich in beta-carotene (Vitamin A), supports vision, immune function, and skin health
9. 2 leeks
- Calories: 110
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 0.5g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin A, C, K, folate
- Minerals: Iron, manganese
- Nutritional Benefit: High in vitamins and antioxidants, supports cardiovascular health and digestion
10. 1 head of garlic
- Calories: 149
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 0.5g
- Sodium: 17mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, B6
- Minerals: Manganese, selenium
- Nutritional Benefit: Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, supports immune health and cardiovascular health
11. 2 potatoes
- Calories: 328
- Carbohydrates: 74g
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 0.4g
- Sodium: 22mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, B6
- Minerals: Potassium, manganese
- Nutritional Benefit: Good source of complex carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, provides energy and supports immune function
12. 2 turnips
- Calories: 68
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 0.2g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, B6, folate
- Minerals: Potassium, calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Low in calories, high in fiber, supports digestion and immune health
13. 1 small cabbage
- Calories: 60
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 0.5g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, K, B6
- Minerals: Potassium, calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: High in vitamins and antioxidants, supports immune health and digestion
14. 1 cup dried white beans
- Calories: 670
- Carbohydrates: 121g
- Protein: 48g
- Fat: 2g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Folate, B6
- Minerals: Iron, magnesium, potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: High in protein and fiber, supports heart health and provides sustained energy
15. Salt and pepper to taste
- Calories: 0 (salt), minimal (pepper)
- Carbohydrates: 0g (salt), minimal (pepper)
- Protein: 0g (salt), minimal (pepper)
- Fat: 0g (salt), minimal (pepper)
- Sodium: High (salt), minimal (pepper)
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Minimal (pepper has trace amounts of vitamins)
- Minerals: Sodium (salt), trace amounts (pepper)
- Nutritional Benefit: Enhances flavor, pepper contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties
Comments