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Tuga Pops − Thursday, October 30, 2025, 8 Months ago in Soup Recipes
5 out of 5 with 3 ratings

Chouriço and Chickpea Stew Recipe – Hearty, Rustic & Flavorful

Savor this hearty chouriço and chickpea stew—packed with tender pork and rich flavors, it's the perfect comforting dish to share with loved ones!
1 h 10 min 4 servings Easy Prep time 15 min Cooking Time 55 min

Why you will love this Chouriço and Chickpea Stew Recipe – Hearty, Rustic & Flavorful

This chouriço and chickpea stew is a hearty, rustic dish built for slow, comforting meals, with tender pork, creamy chickpeas, and deeply savory, meant to be shared around the table. Easy to make and a perfect stew that brings everyone back for secondsso grab a spoon and settle in.


Ingredients

2 large cans of chickpeas (about 28 oz / 800 g total, drained and rinsed)3 tbsp / 45 ml olive oil1 onion, chopped2 garlic cloves, minced3 ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped (or 1 can diced tomatoes, 14 oz / 400 g)Salt, to taste1 fresh chili pepper (or a pinch of chili flakes)2 bay leaves2/3 cup / 150 ml dry white wine1 small green cabbage (about 1 lb / 450 g), halved1 Portuguese alheira sausage (or 1 smoked sausage substitute, about 7 oz / 200 g)1 chouriço sausage, sliced (about 7 oz / 200 g)Ground cumin, to taste (about ½ tsp / 2.5 ml recommended)1 3/4 lbs / 800 g pork, cut into cubes (shoulder or tenderloin work well)

Equipment:

Large potCutting boardKnifeWooden spoon or spatulaCan opener

With all your ingredients and equipment gathered, you are ready to get started!

Directions

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until golden.
  2. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, bay leaves, and chili.
  3. Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes break down, then pour in the white wine. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  4. Add the pork cubes, the sliced chouriço, and the alheira cut into chunks.
  5. Add the cabbage halves and enough water to cover the ingredients slightly.
  6. Simmer over medium heat until the meat and cabbage are tender (about 40 minutes).
  7. As it cooks, the alheira will dissolve into the sauce — that’s what gives this stew its signature rich flavor.
  8. Stir occasionally.
  9. Add salt and cumin to taste.
  10. Finally, stir in the drained chickpeas and cook for another 10–15 minutes to let all the flavors meld.
  11. Serve hot with crusty dark bread to soak up the flavorful sauce — it’s irresistible!

Recipe Tips

When using fresh chili peppers, remember to taste a small piece first; the heat can vary significantly between peppers. Adjust the quantity according to your heat preference to avoid overpowering the dish.
To enhance the flavor of the stew, consider browning the pork cubes in the olive oil before adding the onions and garlic. This will create a deeper, richer flavor profile and add complexity to your stew.
Avoid overcooking the cabbage by adding it to the stew in the last 20 minutes of cooking. This will keep it tender yet still slightly crunchy, preserving both texture and nutrients.

Adapted from a Recipe by: Emoção as Colheradas

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories
891 kcal
Fat
45 g
Carbs
27 g
Protein
65 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of sausage instead of chouriço and alheira?

Yes, you can substitute chouriço with other smoked sausages or spicy sausages, and for alheira, you can use any type of cooked sausage that has a similar texture, like kielbasa or bratwurst.

How do I store leftovers of the Chouriço and Chickpea Stew?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months; just thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

What should I do if the stew is too thick?

If the stew is too thick, you can add a little more water or broth during the cooking process to reach your desired consistency. Stir well and let it simmer for a few extra minutes to incorporate the liquid.

Recommended Drink Pairings

Wine

Portuguese: Vinho Verde - This light and refreshing wine complements the hearty flavors of the chouriço and chickpea stew while cutting through the richness of the pork.

General: Sauvignon Blanc - The crisp acidity and citrus notes of Sauvignon Blanc balance the dish's savory elements and enhance the fresh ingredients.

Beer

Portuguese: Super Bock - This lager's mild bitterness and carbonation provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and spicy stew.

General: Pale Ale - The hoppy bitterness and fruity notes of a pale ale pair well with the spices and smokiness of the chouriço, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.

Other Beverages

Espresso: A strong and bold espresso complements the hearty flavors of the stew and offers a pleasant contrast to the meal's richness.

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Tuga Pops

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