Best Easy Olla Podrida Recipe

An old-world Mexican stew with multiple meats, sausages, and vegetables slow-cooked together. This protein-rich, carnivore feast is a traditional family gathering dish full of robust flavors.

Cook 270 min Difficulty NORMAL 490 kcal
#high protein #carnivore #family stew
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • beef chuck 1.5 lbs
  • pork shoulder 1 lbs
  • smoked sausage 12 oz
  • chorizo sausage 8 oz
  • cooked ham 8 oz
  • dried pinto beans 1 cup
  • yellow onion 1 pieces
  • carrot 2 pieces
  • celery stalks 2 pieces
  • cabbage 0.5 head
Seasonings/Sauce
  • garlic cloves 4 cloves
  • bay leaves 2 leaves
  • ground cumin 1.5 tsp
  • smoked paprika 1 tsp
  • black pepper 1 tsp
  • kosher salt 2 tsp
  • water 10 cups
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 28 g 23%
Protein 34 g 28%
Fat 25 g 49%
Serving size 350g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Rinse the dried pinto beans thoroughly and soak them overnight in cold water to ensure even cooking and creamy texture.

  2. 2

    Cut the beef chuck and pork shoulder into large chunks (about 2-inch pieces) to help the meats stay tender during long simmering.

  3. 3

    In a large heavy stew pot, heat a little oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef, pork, smoked sausage, and chorizo in batches until browned all over for maximum depth of flavor; set meats aside.

  4. 4

    In the same pot, reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion, chopped carrot, and celery; sauté for 5-7 minutes, scraping up brown bits for enhanced taste.

  5. 5

    Add minced garlic, cumin, paprika, bay leaves, and black pepper, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Return all meats, toss in drained beans, cabbage wedges, and pour in water to cover everything by 1 inch.

  6. 6

    Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and cover. Cook for 3-4 hours, skimming foam periodically and stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

  7. 7

    After 2 hours, add diced ham and salt to taste. Simmer uncovered for an additional 45-60 minutes until meats are fork-tender and the stew has a hearty, slightly thickened broth.

  8. 8

    Before serving, remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning. Serve in large bowls with meats and vegetables evenly divided for each portion.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Olla Podrida recipe?
The key ingredients that define Olla Podrida are the variety of meats: beef chuck, pork shoulder, smoked sausage, chorizo, and ham. These meats combine to create deep, robust flavors and a rich, hearty broth, making the stew distinctly savory and unmistakably traditional.
Q. Why are the meats seared before simmering in the stew?
Searing the meats on medium-high heat caramelizes their surfaces, which adds complex depths of flavor and helps seal in juices. This crucial step before long simmering distinguishes a stew with layered, robust savoriness from a bland one.
Q. How do I avoid overcooking the vegetables or meat in this recipe?
Avoid overcooking by adding the cabbage later in the process and maintaining a gentle, low simmer after an initial boil. Also, cutting the meats into larger chunks helps retain succulence, and periodic checks ensure that both the beans and vegetables stay tender but intact.
Q. How many calories and protein are in each serving of Olla Podrida?
Each 350g serving contains approximately 490 kcal and 34g of protein. This provides a robust protein-to-carb ratio, making it satisfying for those seeking a hearty, high-protein meal.
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