Spanish Potato Soup with Chorizo

The bold and smoky flavor of this Spanish Potato Soup with Chorizo will transport your taste buds straight to the Iberian Peninsula. Made with crisped chorizo, tender potatoes, and a warming blend of paprika and cumin, it’s the kind of hearty dish that nourishes both body and soul. Perfect for chilly evenings or cozy Sunday dinners, this soup is comforting yet full of character. The addition of bell peppers and diced tomatoes brings a touch of sweetness that balances the heat, while crusty bread on the side soaks up every savory drop. It’s a simple, one-pot wonder ideal for family meals or easy entertaining.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes

• 6 oz (175g) chorizo, sliced

• 1½ lbs (700g) waxy potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 can (14 oz / 400g) diced tomatoes

• 4 cups (1 liter) chicken or vegetable broth

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• Crusty bread for serving

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion for 4-5 minutes until translucent.

2. Add garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili flakes. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Add the chorizo slices and cook for 5 minutes, letting them release their oils and crisp up slightly.

4. Stir in the potatoes and bell pepper, coating them with the spices.

5. Pour in the diced tomatoes and broth. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.

7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a side of crusty bread.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 385 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

A Taste of Spain in Every Spoonful

Spanish Potato Soup with Chorizo, also known in some regions as sopa de patatas con chorizo, is a rustic, deeply comforting dish that perfectly embodies the essence of Spanish home cooking. It’s simple, affordable, and intensely flavorful, bringing together the earthy richness of potatoes, the bold spice of Spanish chorizo, and the warm aroma of smoked paprika.

This soup isn’t just about nourishment; it’s a culinary experience. Each spoonful offers a beautiful interplay of textures and tastes soft, creamy potatoes contrasted with the crisp edges of browned chorizo, all infused in a broth that tastes like it’s been simmering on an abuela’s stove for hours.

Rooted in tradition and widely loved across Spain, this soup offers a way to enjoy authentic Spanish flavor with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

The Cultural Roots Behind the Dish

Chorizo is one of Spain’s most iconic ingredients a cured sausage made from coarsely chopped pork and seasoned with garlic, salt, and pimentón (smoked paprika). It exists in many forms, from sweet (dulce) to spicy (picante), and is a staple in countless Spanish dishes.

Combining chorizo with potatoes another essential pantry staple is a traditional way to stretch ingredients economically while delivering deep flavor. Historically, this soup was a peasant dish, made in rural Spanish households using readily available, shelf-stable ingredients. It warmed farmworkers after a long day and provided a satisfying, substantial meal.

Over the years, the soup has evolved slightly based on regional variations, but its heart remains the same: simple ingredients elevated by technique and flavor. Today, it’s enjoyed not only across Spain but globally, as a testament to how humble food can be truly exquisite.

What Makes This Soup So Special?

What sets this soup apart from many other potato-based soups is the chorizo. As it cooks, the chorizo releases fat and spices into the pot, flavoring everything around it especially the potatoes, which absorb and amplify the broth’s intensity.

The addition of smoked paprika enhances the rustic feel, adding a layer of smokiness that mimics the open-fire cooking methods traditionally used in Spanish countryside homes. The result is a dish that feels layered and complex, even though it only uses a handful of ingredients.

And unlike cream-based soups, this one is brothy yet hearty, making it feel both light and satisfying. It’s ideal for people who want a comforting bowl without the heaviness of dairy or cream-laden recipes.

Health & Nutrition Highlights

Despite its indulgent flavor, Spanish Potato Soup with Chorizo is fairly balanced. Potatoes provide complex carbohydrates and fiber, which help with energy and digestion. They also deliver potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. Bell peppers contribute antioxidants and vitamin A, while the tomatoes offer lycopene, a compound known for its heart-healthy benefits.

Chorizo, although rich and flavorful, should be enjoyed in moderation due to its fat and sodium content. Opting for a high-quality, naturally-cured Spanish chorizo made with minimal additives can help balance the dish’s nutritional profile.

If you want to make the recipe lighter, you can use turkey or chicken chorizo or reduce the chorizo quantity and boost the volume with more vegetables like leeks, carrots, or kale.

Overall, this soup is a wholesome choice that’s easy to adapt depending on dietary needs, while still keeping its essential Spanish flair.

Cooking Tips for Best Results

Here are some practical tips to ensure your Spanish Potato Soup with Chorizo turns out perfectly every time:

1. Choose the Right Potatoes

Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best. They hold their shape during cooking and provide a creamy texture without becoming mushy.

2. Use High-Quality Chorizo

Authentic Spanish chorizo is key. You can use either cured (dry) or semi-cured versions, but avoid the overly greasy, overly processed ones. If you want the soup to have bits of chorizo in every bite, slice it into thin coins or small chunks.

3. Layer the Flavors

Start by sautéing the chorizo first to allow the fat to render. Then cook the aromatics like onion and garlic in the same pot this helps build the flavor base before you even add liquid.

4. Simmer Gently

Boiling potatoes too vigorously can cause them to break down and cloud the broth. A gentle simmer ensures the potatoes cook evenly and the soup remains silky but not mushy.

5. Balance the Heat

Chorizo often brings heat on its own, but if you’re using a milder version, adding chili flakes can give it a gentle kick. Want more heat? Try adding a splash of hot smoked paprika or a diced chili.

What to Serve With Spanish Potato Soup

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty artisan bread preferably a rustic sourdough or a chewy baguette  for soaking up the flavorful broth. A drizzle of good quality olive oil just before serving can add a silky finish and elevate the mouthfeel.

For a more complete meal, consider a small side salad with bitter greens and a sherry vinaigrette, or grilled vegetables dressed simply with lemon and olive oil.

And to drink? A bold red Rioja or even a glass of dry Spanish cider would be perfect accompaniments, enhancing the soup’s smoky and spicy notes.

Variations and Substitutions

Spanish Potato Soup with Chorizo is very flexible. Here are a few ways to adapt the recipe:

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chorizo with smoked paprika tofu or seared mushrooms and use vegetable broth. Add a splash of liquid smoke if desired.

• Add Greens: Kale, spinach, or Swiss chard can be added in the last few minutes of cooking for a nutrient boost.

• Thicker Texture: Use an immersion blender to partially purée the soup for a thicker, stew-like consistency.

• More Protein: Add cooked white beans or chickpeas for extra protein and fiber.

• Extra Veggies: Add diced zucchini, carrots, or celery for extra texture and nutrition.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

In a world filled with overly complex recipes and ingredient-heavy dishes, this soup stands out for its simplicity and depth. It’s the kind of meal that you can make on a weeknight without fuss, yet it tastes like something you’d be served in a Spanish family kitchen on a Sunday afternoon.

It’s also the kind of recipe that sticks with you. Not just because of how it tastes, but because of how it feels warm, grounding, and real. The ingredients are basic, but the result is something far greater than the sum of its parts.

Whether you’re craving something cozy, cooking for friends, or just trying to stretch a few pantry staples into something memorable, Spanish Potato Soup with Chorizo will never disappoint.

Conclusion:

Spanish Potato Soup with Chorizo is more than a bowl of soup it’s a flavorful celebration of Spanish tradition, simplicity, and soul-warming goodness. With its spicy chorizo base, tender potatoes, and deeply aromatic broth, it offers both comfort and excitement in each spoonful.

Easy to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and universally satisfying, this dish deserves a regular spot in your home cooking rotation. It reminds us that you don’t need fancy techniques or expensive ingredients to create something truly special just quality components, a good pot, and a little bit of love.