Spicy Chorizo & Cabbage Stew

This Spicy Chorizo & Cabbage Stew is the ultimate comfort food for those busy weeknights when you crave something hearty, smoky, and warming without spending hours in the kitchen. With its robust flavors and nourishing ingredients, this stew is a satisfying meal that comes together with minimal effort. The combination of spicy chorizo, tender potatoes, and sweet cabbage creates a perfect balance of flavors, making it a go-to dish for any time of year.

What I love about this stew is its versatility—you can adjust the heat to your liking, add more vegetables if you have them on hand, or even swap out the chorizo for another type of sausage. It's a forgiving recipe that allows you to make it your own, and it's even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 large cloves of garlic, minced
• 8 ounces Spanish chorizo (about 2 1/2 links), sliced into 1/4 inch thick rounds
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (more to taste if you like it spicier)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 pound potatoes (Yukon Gold or your favorite variety), cut into 1-inch chunks (no need to peel)
• 1 small green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced (about 1 pound)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6-8 cups low sodium chicken broth or water

Directions

Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat the olive oil:
   Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. The aroma of sautéed onions and garlic will be the base for the deep flavors of this stew.

Cook the Chorizo

1. Add the chorizo:
   Add the sliced chorizo, crushed red pepper flakes, and bay leaves to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chorizo begins to render its fat and color the onion and garlic mixture, about 5 more minutes. The chorizo adds a smoky depth to the stew, and the red pepper flakes give it a nice kick of heat. If you prefer a spicier stew, add more red pepper flakes at this stage.

Add the Potatoes

1. Add the potatoes:
   Toss in the potato chunks and cook for about 3 minutes, allowing them to absorb some of the flavors from the chorizo and spices. The potatoes will become tender and soak up the delicious broth as they simmer.

Incorporate the Cabbage

1. Add the cabbage:
   Add the thinly sliced cabbage to the pot along with a hefty pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine, allowing the cabbage to start wilting slightly from the heat. The cabbage adds a subtle sweetness and a satisfying texture to the stew.

Simmer the Stew

1. Simmer:
   Pour in 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth or water, ensuring all the ingredients are covered. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and let the stew simmer gently. Cook until the potatoes are tender but not mushy, about 20 minutes. If you find the stew too thick, gradually add more broth or water, 1/2 cup at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Season and Serve

1. Adjust seasoning:
   Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper. The flavors should be well-balanced with the chorizo's smokiness, the heat from the red pepper flakes, and the potatoes and cabbage's comforting flavors.
2. Serve:
   Serve the stew warm with crusty bread on the side to soak up the flavorful broth. For an extra pop of color and flavor, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.

Additional Tips

• Make It Ahead: This stew can be made and reheated before serving. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
• Customization: Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or kale to the stew for added color and nutrition. You can also substitute the chorizo with other types of sausage if you prefer a different flavor profile.
• Freezing: This stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, transfer it to airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

This Spicy Chorizo & Cabbage Stew is the perfect recipe for those who crave a comforting, hearty meal with minimal prep time. The smoky, spicy chorizo combined with tender potatoes and sweet cabbage creates a stew full of flavor and warmth. It's a dish that will leave you satisfied and cozy, making it an ideal choice for chilly nights or whenever you need a comforting homemade meal. Enjoy!