Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of the Pyrenees as we explore the delectable flavors of Andorra's Escudella i Carn d'Olla. This traditional dish, deeply rooted in the region's history and culture, is a celebration of hearty ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques. As we delve into the recipe, you'll discover the art of crafting this savory masterpiece, bringing together a symphony of flavors that reflect the warmth and richness of Andorran heritage. Join us in unlocking the secrets behind Escudella i Carn d'Olla, and treat your senses to a taste of Andorra's culinary legacy.

Ingredients:

For the Meat Broth:

• 500g beef brisket, bone-in
• 500g pork shoulder, bone-in
• 250g cured pork belly or bacon
• 1 large onion, peeled and halved
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 leeks, cleaned and chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 5-6 whole cloves
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Olla (Vegetable Stew):

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 turnips, peeled and diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 small cabbage, chopped
• 250g dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
• Salt, to taste

For the Meatballs (Pilota):

• 250g ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Meat Broth:

1-In a large pot, combine the beef brisket, pork shoulder, cured pork belly, onion, carrots, celery, leeks, bay leaves, and cloves.

2-Cover with water and bring to a boil. Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface.

3-Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Prepare the Olla (Vegetable Stew):

1-While the meat broth is simmering, prepare the vegetables for the olla.

2-In a separate pot, combine potatoes, turnips, carrots, cabbage, and soaked chickpeas. Cover with water and bring to a boil.

3-Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the vegetables and chickpeas are tender. Season with salt to taste.

Prepare the Meatballs (Pilota):

1-In a bowl, mix ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.

2-Form small meatballs (pilota) from the mixture.

Combine and Serve:

1-Once the meat broth and vegetables are ready, remove the larger pieces of meat and set them aside.

2-Add the meatballs (pilota) to the simmering meat broth and cook until they are fully cooked through.

3-Serve the meat broth with the meatballs alongside the olla (vegetable stew).

Enjoy:

Serve the Escudella i Carn d'Olla hot, with a slice of crusty bread on the side. It's a hearty and comforting dish that captures the essence of Catalan tradition.

Embrace the warmth and flavors of this Andorran culinary masterpiece that has been passed down through generations, creating a dish that is perfect for bringing family and friends together. ¡Bona poma! (Good appetite!)

Nutritional Values:

Providing exact nutritional values can be challenging without specific brands and preparation methods. However, I can offer approximate values based on standard nutritional information for the individual ingredients. Keep in mind that these are rough estimates and can vary based on factors such as cooking methods and specific product brands:

Meat Broth:

Beef brisket (500g):

• Calories: 1100
• Protein: 110g
• Fat: 72g

benefits: High in protein, iron, and zinc, supporting muscle health and immune function.

Pork shoulder (500g):

• Calories: 1100
• Protein: 100g
• Fat: 72g

benefits: Good source of protein, B-vitamins, and selenium, promoting energy production and immune support.

Cured pork belly or bacon (250g):

• Calories: 1100
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 100g

benefits: Provides rich flavor; however, it should be consumed in moderation due to its high fat and sodium content.

Vegetables for Broth:

Onion (1 large):

• Calories: 60
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g

benefits: Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting overall health.

Carrots (2):

• Calories: 100
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g

benefits: High in beta-carotene, promoting eye health, and providing vitamins A and C.

Celery (2 stalks):

• Calories: 20
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g

benefits: Low in calories, high in fiber, and a good source of vitamins K and C, supporting digestion and immune health.

Leeks (2):

• Calories: 100
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 0g

benefits: Rich in vitamins A and K, and antioxidants, contributing to bone health and immune support.

Seasonings:

Bay leaves (2):

• Negligible calories, protein, and fat.

benefits: May have anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.

Whole cloves (5-6):

• Negligible calories, protein, and fat.

benefits: Contains antioxidants and may have antibacterial properties.

Salt and pepper:

• Negligible calories, protein, and fat.

benefits: Enhance flavor; however, moderation is key to managing sodium intake.

Olla (Vegetable Stew):

Potatoes (4 large):

• Calories: 880
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 0g

benefits: Good source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, supporting heart health and digestion.

Turnips (2):

• Calories: 100
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g

benefits: Low in calories, high in fiber, and a good source of vitamins C and K.

Carrots (2):

• Calories: 100
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g

Cabbage (1 small):

• Calories: 160
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 0g

benefits: Rich in vitamins C and K, and antioxidants, supporting immune and heart health.

Dried chickpeas (250g, soaked):

• Calories: 875
• Protein: 43g
• Fat: 15g

benefits: High in protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals, contributing to satiety and digestive health.

Meatballs (Pilota):

Ground pork (250g):

• Calories: 500
• Protein: 50g
• Fat: 32g

benefits: Good source of protein, iron, and zinc, supporting muscle health and immune function.

Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 110
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 1g

benefits: Provide carbohydrates for energy and can add texture to the meatballs.

Egg (1):

• Calories: 70
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 5g

benefits: Excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to muscle health and overall nutrition.

Garlic (2 cloves):

• Calories: 10
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits: Contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 1
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits: Rich in vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, supporting immune function and overall health.

Total Estimated Values:

• Calories: Approximately 7300
• Protein: Approximately 470g
• Fat: Approximately 430g

Keep in mind that these values are rough estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods. It's always a good idea to check product labels for accurate nutritional information.