Patatas a la Riojana (Rioja Potato and Chorizo Stew)
A warming stew from La Rioja of waxy potatoes and smoky chorizo in a sofrito paprika broth. Simple, cheap and deeply satisfying.
Made with Spanish sofrito. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time50 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £1.06 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over a medium heat. Fry the chorizo slices for 4 minutes until the oil turns red and they are lightly crisp.
4 min - 2
Stir in your ready made sofrito (see the base recipe), the paprika and the bay leaf. Cook for 2 minutes.
- 3
Add the potatoes and water. Bring to the boil, then lower the heat, half cover and simmer for 25 minutes.
25 min - 4
Check the potatoes are completely tender and the broth has thickened slightly. Crush a few potato chunks against the side of the pan to thicken it more.
- 5
Taste for salt (the chorizo is salty), remove the bay leaf, scatter over the parsley and serve in bowls.
Tips
- Break the potato chunks off the knife (cascar) rather than slicing. The rough edges release starch and thicken the broth.
- Use a good cooking chorizo that releases red oil, not the cured sliceable kind.
- For a vegetarian version, leave out the chorizo and add an extra teaspoon of smoked paprika.
Storing and freezing
Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days, cooled within 1 to 2 hours. Reheat until steaming hot all the way through. Freezing makes the potatoes soft and grainy, so eat fresh.
Questions
Is chorizo gluten free?
Usually, but check the label. Most Spanish chorizo is made from pork, paprika and garlic, but some brands add wheat. Choose one labelled gluten free if you are coeliac.
What potatoes are best?
Waxy or all-rounder varieties such as Charlotte, Desiree or Maris Piper. They hold their shape yet release enough starch to thicken the stew.
Can I add other ingredients?
Yes. Green peppers, pieces of pork rib or a handful of peas near the end are all traditional additions.
More made with spanish sofrito
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.