Rustic Spanish Chorizo Fabada with Cabbage and White Beans
Dive into the warm, comforting flavors of this traditional Spanish fabada, featuring spicy chorizo, tender white beans, and crisp cabbage in a rich, earthy broth.

Preparation
Get these tasks done before you start cooking.
Preparing the Beans
- 1
Soak the beans
Soak the white beans overnight in plenty of water.
Tip: Pre-soaking the beans helps them cook more evenly in the stew.
- 2
Drain and rinse
Drain and rinse beans before use.
- 3
Set aside beans
Set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
Tip: Ensure that your beans are fully soft before adding salt to prevent toughness.
Preparing the Vegetables
- 1
Dice vegetables
Dice the onion and carrot, and mince the garlic.
- 2
Chop cabbage
Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
- 3
Slice chorizo
Slice the chorizo into rounds.
How to Make Rustic Spanish Chorizo Fabada with Cabbage and White Beans
Total time: 4 h · Yields 6 servings
- 1
Building the Base
In a large pot, cook chorizo until it releases its oils, remove, then soften onions, garlic, and carrots in the chorizo oil.
- 2
Simmering
Add the beans, broth, bay leaves, and smoked paprika. Simmer until beans are tender—about 1.5 hours.
- 3
Final Touches
Add chorizo and cabbage, simmer for another 30 minutes to meld flavors. Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Chef's Tips
Further reading
- DESPAÑA Traditional Spanish Chorizo, Gluten-Free, Fully Cooked Sausage – Despaña Brand Foods
- Primo de Rivera, Jovellanos, el desarrollismo y los cómicos Martes y Trece: la historia de la fabada como nunca se había contado
- CURED MEAT AND WHITE BEANS STEW | TRADITIONAL FABADA ASTURIANA - Omar Allibhoy - The Spanish Chef
Frequently asked questions
How long can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, this stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Can I use canned beans?
You can, but adjust the cooking time as they require less cooking than dried beans.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to chorizo?
Use a plant-based chorizo alternative or smoked tofu to retain the smokiness.
How can I adapt this for a slow cooker?
Combine all ingredients except cabbage and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add cabbage in the last hour.
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