Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes (or substitute with pork shoulder for variation)
• 1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or any neutral high-heat oil)
• 8 cups chicken broth (homemade preferred for depth)
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch rounds
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 cup chickpeas, soaked overnight if using dried (canned works well, rinsed)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt, to season throughout cooking
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Directions

• Pat the beef cubes completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning.
• Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it shimmers, about 2 minutes.
• Sear the beef in a single layer, turning to brown all sides, approximately 8–10 minutes total.
• Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and lightly golden, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the minced garlic and smoked paprika, cooking just until fragrant, 30–45 seconds.
• Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits.
• Add the bay leaf and 1 teaspoon of salt, then bring the liquid to a gentle boil.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1 hour and 15 minutes until the beef is fork-tender.
• Add the carrot rounds and quartered potatoes, submerging them in the broth.
• Stir in the chickpeas, then cover and simmer for another 25–30 minutes until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.
• Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
• Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
• Ladle the stew into deep bowls, ensuring each portion has a mix of meat, vegetables, and broth.
• Garnish generously with fresh parsley just before serving.

Notes

• 12-27-25 1/2 Recipe
• I Used
• Pork Shoulder
• Cilantro garnish
• I Added
• Coriander Grnd
• Oregano Med. Dried garnish
• Beneath the surface of this seemingly humble stew lies a symphony of flavors that speaks to generations of family kitchens and festive gatherings. Puchero, with its rich broth and tender components, offers both comfort and complexity in each spoonful—a dish that transforms simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary through patient, layered cooking. This traditional preparation invites you to experience how time and technique can elevate everyday staples into a memorable centerpiece.
• Velvety broth envelops each component, with the potatoes dissolving slightly to thicken the base while the carrots retain a gentle bite. The chickpeas add earthy notes that balance the richness of the slow-cooked beef, creating layers of texture in every spoonful. For a festive presentation, serve alongside crusty bread for dipping and a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the stew’s heartiness.

Photos