Galician White Bean Soup with Smoked Meats
Experience the heartwarming flavors of Caldo Gallego, a traditional Galician white bean soup that brings together the rustic ingredients of the countryside into a hearty dish. This comforting soup combines creamy white kidney beans with chunks of savory meats like serrano ham, bacon, and optional chorizo, all simmered to perfection with fresh vegetables including turnips and Yukon gold potatoes. The result is a flavorful, nourishing dish perfect for chilly days or family gatherings. Serve hot, and enjoy a taste of Galicia in your own home.
4
Servings
300
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried white kidney beans
1 cup (Soaked overnight in cold water)
Cold water
2 quarts (For cooking)
Serrano ham or prosciutto
1/4 lb (Diced)
Salt pork or bacon
1/4 lb (Blanched and diced)
Turnips
2 (Cut into large pieces)
Turnip greens
1/2 lb (Cut into large pieces)
Yukon gold potato
1 (Cut into large pieces)
Chorizo sausage (optional)
1/4 lb (Sliced)
Salt
To taste (For seasoning)
Pepper
To taste (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the dried white beans in cold water overnight to soften them.
2
The next day, prepare the salt pork or bacon by placing it in a pot of cold water. Bring to a rapid boil, then drain immediately and cut into small cubes.
3
In a large kettle, combine the soaked and drained white beans with two quarts of cold water, the diced serrano ham, and the cubed salt pork or bacon. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cover, allowing the mixture to cook for two hours until beans are tender.
4
After two hours, carefully add the large pieces of turnips, turnip greens, and Yukon gold potatoes to the kettle. If using chorizo, slice it into thick rounds and add it at this stage.
5
Season the soup generously with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes or until all vegetables are tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
6
Once cooked, check seasoning once more and adjust if necessary. For a heartier texture, you can slightly mash some of the beans against the side of the pot.
7
Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
35g
Carbs
16g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Galician White Bean Soup?
Also known as Caldo Gallego, it is a traditional rustic soup from the Galicia region of Spain featuring white beans, smoked meats, and vegetables.
What is the traditional name for this recipe?
The traditional name for this Galician white bean soup is Caldo Gallego.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What type of beans are used in this soup?
The recipe calls for dried white kidney beans.
Do I need to soak the beans before cooking?
Yes, you should soak the dried white kidney beans in cold water overnight to soften them.
Which smoked meats are included in this soup?
The recipe uses serrano ham (or prosciutto) and salt pork or bacon.
Is chorizo required for this recipe?
Chorizo is an optional ingredient that can be added for extra flavor.
What vegetables are needed for Galician White Bean Soup?
You will need turnips, turnip greens, and Yukon gold potatoes.
How do I prepare the salt pork or bacon?
Place it in cold water, bring it to a rapid boil, drain it immediately, and then cut it into small cubes.
How long should the beans and meats simmer?
The beans and meats should simmer together for approximately two hours until the beans are tender.
When should I add the vegetables to the soup?
Add the turnips, turnip greens, and potatoes after the beans have simmered for two hours.
What kind of potato is best for this soup?
Yukon gold potatoes are recommended for their texture and flavor.
How can I make the soup texture heartier?
You can slightly mash some of the beans against the side of the pot once they are cooked.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the protein content of this soup?
There are 16 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 10 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 35 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much water is needed for the soup base?
The recipe requires two quarts of cold water.
Can I substitute serrano ham?
Yes, prosciutto is a suitable substitute for serrano ham if needed.
How should the chorizo be prepared?
If using chorizo, slice it into thick rounds before adding it to the kettle.
What is the final cooking time after adding vegetables?
The soup should cook for an additional 30 minutes once the vegetables are added.
Should I garnish the soup?
You can garnish the soup with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Is this soup served hot or cold?
This soup is traditionally served hot.
What size should the turnips be cut into?
The turnips should be cut into large pieces.
How should turnip greens be prepared?
The turnip greens should be cut into large pieces before being added to the soup.
What seasonings are used?
The soup is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
Is this a good recipe for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a comforting, nourishing dish perfect for chilly days.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients listed in this recipe.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The soup has heartwarming, rustic, and savory flavors from smoked meats and fresh vegetables.
Is this soup part of a specific cuisine?
Yes, it is a staple of Galician cuisine from Spain.