If you’re craving something that bursts with hearty flavors and satisfying warmth, this Chorizo & Clam Bone Broth Stew Recipe is an absolute must-try. It perfectly balances the smoky, spicy kick of chorizo with the delicate brininess of clams, all simmered in nutrient-rich bone broth alongside fresh vegetables. This stew is not just comfort food; it’s a celebration of bold tastes and wholesome ingredients that come together in one unforgettable dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of simple yet powerful ingredients, each playing a crucial role in layering flavors, adding texture, and giving the stew its inviting color and aroma. Everything comes together easily, making this stew as straightforward as it is delicious.
- 1 pound chorizo, diced: Brings a smoky, spicy richness that’s the soul of this stew.
- 2 cups chopped clams, fresh or canned: Adds a fresh, briny contrast to the spicy chorizo.
- 4 cups bone broth: The hearty, nutrient-packed base that infuses the stew with depth and warmth.
- 1 cup diced potatoes: Offers a creamy, filling texture that absorbs all the wonderful flavors.
- 1 cup diced carrots: Adds natural sweetness and a touch of color.
- 1 cup diced celery: Provides a subtle crunch and herbal freshness.
- 1 onion, chopped: Builds a savory foundation with its mellow sweetness when cooked down.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic intensity that enhances every bite.
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika: Locks in a warm, smoky aroma that complements the chorizo.
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Delivers the perfect heat to balance the stew’s rich flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all ingredients together.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to sauté and develop deep, golden flavors.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh pop of green that brightens the finished stew.
How to Make Chorizo & Clam Bone Broth Stew Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chorizo
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chorizo and let it cook until it’s beautifully browned. This step releases all those flavorful oils and creates a delicious base that gives the stew its distinctive smoky heat.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, toss in the chopped onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes. Sauté everything together until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. This mixture adds depth and a medley of textures.
Step 3: Add Spices
Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and cayenne pepper, stirring well to coat the vegetables and chorizo with these vibrant spices. This is where the stew really starts to develop its bold personality, combining smoky warmth with a touch of heat.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Clams
Pour in the bone broth and clam juice, bringing everything to a gentle simmer. Add the chopped clams and let it cook for about 10 minutes so all the flavors meld beautifully. The broth becomes infused with gentle briny notes and soothing richness.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Garnish
Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste, giving it a final stir. Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top to add a fresh, herbaceous touch that contrasts perfectly with the stew’s deep, warm flavors.
How to Serve Chorizo & Clam Bone Broth Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish for this stew, adding brightness and a hint of herbal complexity. You can also try a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of chili flakes if you want to elevate the acidity or heat, enhancing the layers of flavor even further.
Side Dishes
This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic toast, perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious broth. A simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette adds a crisp, refreshing contrast, balancing the richness of the stew.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the stew in rustic bowls to showcase its vibrant mix of ingredients. For a cozy twist, bowl it up in hollowed-out bread bowls, making every spoonful an edible adventure. Garnishing with microgreens or a drizzle of chili oil can also make your presentation pop if you’re hosting guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your stew, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator. The flavors actually meld and deepen after a day, making leftovers just as delicious, if not more so, the next day.
Freezing
This stew freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, leaving some space for expansion. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your stew gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to warm everything evenly. Avoid high heat which can toughen the ingredients. If it’s too thick after storage, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up as it warms.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage instead of chorizo?
Absolutely! While chorizo provides a unique smoky and spicy kick, you can substitute with other flavorful sausages like andouille or spicy Italian sausage, but the stew’s signature flavor will shift accordingly.
Do I need fresh clams, or are canned clams okay?
Canned clams work perfectly well and are a convenient option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. If you choose fresh clams, make sure to clean them thoroughly and steam or cook them prior to adding.
What kind of bone broth works best?
Beef or chicken bone broth both work wonderfully in this recipe. Choose a high-quality, flavorful bone broth to maximize depth; homemade or store-bought options can work depending on your preference.
Is this stew spicy?
It has a gentle heat level due to the cayenne pepper and chorizo’s natural spiciness. You can adjust the cayenne amount to make it milder or hotter based on your taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While the core of this stew relies on chorizo and clams for its signature flavors, you could try substituting smoked paprika-rich tofu and vegetable broth with seaweed to mimic the savory depth, but it will be quite different.
Final Thoughts
This Chorizo & Clam Bone Broth Stew Recipe is a true gem for anyone who loves bold, comforting flavors mingling with wholesome, nourishing ingredients. It’s simple to make but incredibly rewarding to eat, perfect for cozy nights when you want something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Give it a try—you just might find your new favorite stew!
Print
Chorizo & Clam Bone Broth Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup/Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Spanish
Description
A hearty and flavorful Chorizo & Clam Bone Broth Stew combining spicy chorizo, tender clams, and nutrient-rich bone broth with vegetables for a comforting and savory meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Seafood
- 1 pound chorizo, diced
- 2 cups chopped clams, fresh or canned
Vegetables
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Broth
- 4 cups bone broth
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Oils and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chorizo and vegetables.
- Cook chorizo: Add the diced chorizo to the pot and cook until it is browned, releasing its flavorful oils.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot, sautéing until the vegetables are tender and aromatic.
- Add spices: Stir in the smoked paprika and cayenne pepper, evenly coating the vegetables and chorizo.
- Add liquids: Pour in the bone broth and clam juice (from the clams if canned), then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add clams and simmer: Combine the chopped clams into the pot and allow the stew to simmer for an additional 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
- Season: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving hot to add freshness and color.
Notes
- You can use fresh or canned clams depending on availability.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control the spiciness of the stew.
- Bone broth adds a nutritious depth of flavor but can be substituted with a seafood broth for variation.
- This stew pairs well with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.
