Spanish Pot with Thermomix: A Hearty One-Pot Mediterranean Classic
The Spanish pot, often inspired by traditional olla or rustic Spanish stews, is a deeply comforting one-pot meal filled with robust flavors, wholesome ingredients, and slow-cooked richness. Made with meat, vegetables, legumes, and warming spices, it’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table. Preparing a Spanish pot in the Thermomix makes this classic even more accessible, combining traditional flavor with modern convenience.
Using the Thermomix allows you to layer flavors effortlessly while maintaining the soul of Spanish home cooking—hearty, nourishing, and full of character.
What Is a Spanish Pot?
A Spanish pot is not a single fixed recipe but rather a style of cooking rooted in regional Spanish cuisine. Similar to dishes like olla española, cocido, or potaje, it typically includes:
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Meat (such as chicken, chorizo, or pork)
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Potatoes or legumes (like chickpeas or beans)
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Vegetables (peppers, onions, tomatoes)
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Olive oil, garlic, and paprika
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Slow simmering to develop deep flavor
It’s a dish born of practicality—using simple, affordable ingredients to create something filling and satisfying.
Why Make Spanish Pot in the Thermomix?
The Thermomix is perfectly suited to this kind of dish. It allows you to sauté, simmer, and gently cook everything in one bowl, with precise temperature control and minimal effort.
Benefits of using the Thermomix include:
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Consistent, even cooking
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No need to watch or stir constantly
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Excellent flavor development
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One-bowl convenience
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Easy scaling for families or meal prep
It transforms a traditionally long, hands-on dish into a manageable and reliable recipe.
Key Ingredients That Define the Dish
Olive Oil
A cornerstone of Spanish cooking, olive oil provides richness and carries the flavors of garlic, onions, and spices.
Aromatics
Onion and garlic form the base of the pot. In the Thermomix, they are finely chopped and gently sautéed to release sweetness.
Paprika
Smoked or sweet paprika (pimentón) is essential. It gives the Spanish pot its warm color and unmistakable depth.
Protein
Common choices include:
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Chicken thighs or drumsticks
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Pork shoulder
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Chorizo (adds smokiness and spice)
Often, a combination is used for complexity.
Vegetables and Potatoes
Potatoes add heartiness, while peppers, tomatoes, and carrots provide sweetness and balance.
Stock or Water
This forms the base of the stew, slowly absorbing flavor from every ingredient.
How Spanish Pot Is Made in the Thermomix
Step 1: Prepare the Flavor Base
Onion and garlic are chopped in the Thermomix bowl, then sautéed in olive oil using Varoma temperature. This step builds the foundation of the dish.
Step 2: Add Spices and Protein
Paprika and other spices are added briefly to bloom their flavor. Meat and chorizo are then introduced and lightly sautéed to release fat and aroma.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Liquid
Potatoes, vegetables, tomatoes, and stock are added. The mixture is stirred gently to avoid breaking up the ingredients.
Step 4: Slow Simmer
The Spanish pot cooks at a gentle temperature, allowing flavors to meld while keeping the ingredients intact. The Thermomix ensures even cooking without overboiling.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once finished, the pot is allowed to rest briefly. This step improves texture and allows the flavors to deepen.
Tips for the Best Thermomix Spanish Pot
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Use the Butterfly Whisk
This helps prevent potatoes and meat from breaking apart. -
Choose Waxy Potatoes
They hold their shape better during simmering. -
Don’t Rush the Simmer
Slow cooking is key to authentic flavor. -
Balance the Paprika
Add smoked paprika for depth, but avoid burning it. -
Taste at the End
Adjust salt and acidity once everything is cooked.
Serving Suggestions
Spanish pot is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides:
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Crusty bread for dipping
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Green salad with a light vinaigrette
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Steamed greens or sautéed spinach
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A drizzle of olive oil or chopped parsley on top
It’s best served hot, straight from the bowl, family-style.
Variations to Try
One of the joys of a Spanish pot is how adaptable it is:
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Bean-Based Potaje: Use chickpeas or white beans instead of potatoes
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Seafood Version: Add prawns or fish near the end
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Vegetarian Spanish Pot: Use vegetables, beans, and smoked paprika
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Spicy Version: Add chilli flakes or spicy chorizo
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Low-Fat Option: Use chicken breast and reduce chorizo
Each version keeps the rustic spirit of the dish while catering to different tastes.
Storage and Reheating
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Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 4 days
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Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months
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Reheating: Reheat gently in the Thermomix or on the stove
Like many stews, Spanish pot often tastes even better the next day.
Nutritional Benefits
Spanish pot is both comforting and nourishing:
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High in protein
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Rich in vegetables and fiber
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Balanced fats from olive oil
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Naturally gluten-free
It’s a wholesome dish that satisfies without being overly heavy.
A Dish Rooted in Spanish Tradition
Spanish pot dishes have long been associated with family meals, rural kitchens, and seasonal cooking. They represent a way of cooking that values patience, simplicity, and making the most of what’s available. Using the Thermomix doesn’t change that tradition—it simply makes it more accessible for modern home cooks.
Final Thoughts
Making a Spanish pot in the Thermomix is the perfect blend of tradition and technology. You get all the depth, warmth, and comfort of a classic Spanish stew with the ease and reliability of guided cooking.
Hearty, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable, this dish is ideal for busy families, meal prep, or relaxed weekend cooking. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a regular favorite—because good food, like good traditions, is meant to be shared.