Galician Seedestero

About Galician Seedestero

The Galician Seedestero is a traditional dish from the heart of Galicia, Spain, renowned for its unique blend of seafood and hearty legumes, making it a staple of warmth and comfort. Historically, this dish was a favorite among the local fishermen, providing them with necessary nutrients and energy. Over generations, families have perfected their versions, passing down secrets from the brisk coastal towns of the rich Galician shores.

Ingredients

• Chickpeas - 200g
• White Beans - 200g
• Chorizo - 150g, sliced
• Cod - 200g, salted and soaked overnight
• Grelos (broccoli rabe) - 1 bunch, chopped
• Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
• Onion - 1 large, chopped
• Paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Olive Oil - 3 tablespoons
• Bay Leaf - 2
• Salt - to taste
• Pepper - to taste
• Water - 1 liter

Preparation

Before diving into the preparation of Galician Seedestero, ensure that your chickpeas and white beans are soaked in water overnight to soften them. This helps in reducing the cooking time and results in a creamier texture for your stew.

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas and white beans. Set them aside.
2. Rinse and soak the cod overnight to desalt it. Ensure that the water is changed a couple of times during the soaking process.
3. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
4. Slice the chorizo and roughly chop the grelos.

Cooking Instructions

Galician Seedestero is a dish that requires patience and a gentle hand to bring out its full flavor.

Sautéing and Sizzling

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing them until they are soft and translucent.
3. Introduce the chorizo slices to the pot, allowing them to brown slightly, releasing their flavorful oils into the mixture.

Building the Stew

1. Add the soaked chickpeas and white beans to the pot, stirring them to coat with the aromatic oils.
2. Pour in the water and add the bay leaves.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook gently for about 45 minutes, or until the legumes are tender. Remember to check the cooking timer not to overcook.

Incorporating the Seafood

1. After the initial simmering, add the soaked cod pieces and grelos to the stew.
2. Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika for a smoky depth of flavor.
3. Cover and simmer for an additional 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Serving and Enjoyment

Once your Galician Seedestero is ready, remove it from the heat and prepare to serve. This dish is best enjoyed hot, capturing the coastal spirit of Galicia with each delicious taste.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in deep bowls to keep the stew warm, garnishing with fresh parsley if desired.
• Accompany with crusty bread to soak up the incredible stew juices.
• Pair with a glass of Albariño wine, a perfect match for the seafood elements of the dish.

Conclusion

Galician Seedestero is more than a meal; it's an experience steeped in tradition and flavor that brings the very essence of Galicia to your dining table. Enjoy the mixture of textures and savor the rich, warming flavors that make this dish a staple in Galician cuisine.