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Patatas con chocos

Patatas con chocos is a Spanish stew for 4 people that simmers in 55 minutes, rated easy, at €4.10 per serving. Cuttlefish and potatoes cook together in a base of tomato, onion, bell pepper and paprika, sharpened with white wine. The key to success is a gentle simmer for the cuttlefish and potatoes broken with a knife to thicken the broth.

Tonight, patatas con chocos, the Huelva style stew where cuttlefish and potatoes simmer slowly in a flavorful broth.

Patatas con chocos
Total time
55 min
Difficulty
Easy
Cost per person
€4.10
Calories per person
670 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Winter, Fall

This stew comes from Huelva, in Andalusia, where cuttlefish meets potatoes in a tomato sauce scented with sweet paprika. The cuttlefish stays tender, almost melting, while the potatoes soak up all the flavor of the cooking broth. White wine adds a touch of acidity that balances the sweetness of the slow cooked tomato.

It's a weeknight dish that needs little attention once it's going, perfect for a fall or winter dinner when you want a complete meal from a single pot. Mon Chou suggests it when bell peppers and ripe tomatoes are still in season and you're looking for a seafood dish that breaks the routine.

The ingredients

4 people

Fish counter

  • Cleaned cuttlefish 800 g

Fruits and vegetables

  • Potatoes 700 g
  • Onion 1
  • Green bell pepper 1
  • Garlic 3 cloves
  • Ripe tomatoes 2
  • Parsley 1 sprig

Pantry

  • White wineoften in the pantry 15 cl
  • Sweet paprikaoften in the pantry 1 tsp
  • Bay leavesoften in the pantry 2
  • Olive oiloften in the pantry 4 tbsp
  • Saltoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • Pepperoften in the pantry 1 pinch

Allergens Mollusks

The step by step recipe

  1. Cut the cuttlefish into pieces and pat them dry with paper towels.

    Dry cuttlefish sears instead of releasing water.

  2. Sauté the onion, bell pepper and garlic in olive oil, then add the grated tomatoes and paprika. 10 min

    Let the tomato cook down until it's almost jammy.

  3. Add the cuttlefish and white wine and simmer covered. 20 min

    A gentle simmer keeps the cuttlefish tender, high heat toughens it.

  4. Peel the potatoes and break them into pieces, add them with the bay leaves and water to cover, then let cook. 20 min

    Half cover the pot so the stew can reduce.

  5. Adjust the salt, sprinkle with parsley and let it rest a few minutes. 5 min

    Like any stew, it tastes better after ten minutes of rest.

Our tips to get it right

  • Buy cuttlefish already cleaned to save time, and pat it dry well before searing or it will release water instead of browning.
  • Grate the tomatoes instead of dicing them, the flesh blends better into the sauce and no skin is left behind.
  • Taste the broth before adding the potatoes, that's the moment to adjust the salt since it will concentrate as the dish cooks.

The variations

  • Swap the cuttlefish for squid if that's what's fresh at the fish counter, the cooking time stays about the same.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace the cuttlefish with cooked chickpeas added at the end with the potatoes.
  • To save time, cut the potatoes into smaller pieces, they'll cook in 15 minutes instead of 20.

What to serve it with

  • Crusty bread for the broth
  • A simple green salad
  • A glass of the same white wine

Storage

Patatas con chocos keeps for 2 days in the fridge in a sealed container. It freezes well for up to 2 months, thaw in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove. Add a splash of water when reheating if the sauce has thickened.

Questions about this dish

Can you make patatas con chocos ahead of time?

Yes, this stew actually tastes better reheated the next day once the flavors have had time to blend. Cook it up to the potato step and finish just before serving if you prefer them firmer.

Why break the potatoes with a knife instead of cutting them?

Breaking the potato creates rough, uneven edges that release more starch into the broth. That starch naturally thickens the sauce without needing any flour.

Can you use a different seafood instead of cuttlefish?

Squid or pre-cooked octopus both work well in place of cuttlefish. Avoid delicate white fish, which would fall apart during the simmer.

Is this dish good for kids?

The firm texture of cuttlefish and the bold paprika flavor tend to appeal more to adults. For kids, blend part of the sauce and serve the potatoes with a smaller portion of cuttlefish.

How long does it take to make a pot of patatas con chocos?

Count 55 min in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “easy”.

How many calories are in a pot of patatas con chocos?

About 670 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does a pot of patatas con chocos cost?

About €4.10 per serving, or €16.40 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains mollusks. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

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