Caldo Gallego "Giant Soup" recipe served on a plate, by Pekin the Chef
Aug 04 2026
RestaurantsColumbia RestaurantCaldo Gallego "giant Soup" Recipe

Caldo Gallego "giant Soup" Recipe

Time2h
Serves6

A favorite to enjoy when visiting the Galicia region along the northwest coast of Spain. Great northern beans simmered in a rich stock with smoked ham, chorizo sausage, turnip greens and potatoes.

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Ingredients

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Beans and Stock

Vegetables

Seasoning

Method

Preparation

  1. 1

    Soak the Beans

    In a large bowl, cover the great northern beans with water and let them soak overnight. This will help soften the beans and reduce cooking time.

  2. 2

    Chop the Vegetables

    Dice the onion, peel and cube the potatoes, and mince the garlic. Set aside.

  3. 3

    Prepare the Chorizo

    Slice the chorizo sausage into thin rounds.

  4. 4

    Prepare the Turnip Greens

    Rinse the turnip greens thoroughly under cold water and chop them into bite-sized pieces.

Cooking

  1. 5

    Sauté the Aromatics

    In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

  2. 6

    Add the Chorizo and Ham

    Add the sliced chorizo and the smoked ham hock to the pot. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the chorizo to release its flavors.

  3. 7

    Combine with Stock and Beans

    Drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot, along with the chicken or vegetable stock. Stir to combine.

  4. 8

    Add Potatoes and Seasonings

    Add the cubed potatoes, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the beans are tender.

  5. 9

    Incorporate the Turnip Greens

    In the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped turnip greens and let them wilt in the soup.

Serving

  1. 10

    Serve the Soup

    Remove the ham hock and bay leaves from the soup. Shred any meat from the ham hock and return it to the pot. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with crusty bread.

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