Spanish Pork Stew Recipes: Rich, Regional & Ready to Inspire

(Guisos y Estofados de Cerdo)


By Edu Valor / Author - Spanish Chef

Once again, pork takes center stage in Spanish cuisine. But these Spanish pork stew recipes are more than just comfort food—they're a window into the soul of each region.

With rich, slow-cooked flavor and rustic, one-pot simplicity, they’re perfect for soaking up with a crust of bread.

In Spain, nearly every part of the pig is fair game. From ribs to trotters, pork is often combined with chorizo, sausages, or even chicken to create deeply satisfying dishes.

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An appetizing Spanish pork and potato stew in a earth tray.A rich pork and potato stew.


What About Vegetables?


Good point. With all the focus on meat, the plant-based heroes almost slipped my mind.

Potatoes are a given, but Spanish stews often include legumes like chickpeas or lentils, especially in colder months. Depending on the region and season, you might also find:

  • Turnips
  • Pumpkin
  • Tomatoes
  • Sweet or smoky peppers
  • Even fruits like plums, apples, or pears for a sweet-savory twist

It just shows how versatile Spanish pork stews can be. With a few tweaks, they work any time of year.

Guisar vs. Estofar: What’s the Difference?


Let’s settle this quickly.

  • Estofar = stewing with the lid on
  • Guisar = stewing without the lid

Both create tender, slow-cooked dishes, but estofar concentrates flavors more by trapping steam and reducing evaporation. Guisar, on the other hand, results in a slightly thinner, soupier dish.

Regional Spanish Pork Stew Recipes


Every corner of Spain brings its own twist to the classic pork stew. Some are well-known, others a bit under-the-radar—even for Spaniards.

Here’s a snapshot of regional pork stew variations worth exploring:

  1. Andalusia – Guiso de Costillas en Adobo
  2. Aragón – Recao de Binéfar 
  3. Asturias – Pote de Berzas
  4. Balearic Islands – Sopas Mallorquinas con Cerdo
  5. Basque Country – Zerriki Erregosia 
  6. Canary Islands – Ropa Vieja Canaria
  7. Cantabria – Cocido Montañés
  8. Castilla-La Mancha – Ajo de Cerdo
  9. Castilla y León – Chanfaina Salmantina
  10. Catalonia – Escudella i Carn d’Olla
  11. Extremadura – Cuchifrito Extremeño
  12. Galicia – Caldeirada de Porco
  13. La Rioja – Patatas a la Riojana con Cerdo
  14. Madrid – Guiso de Oreja a la Madrileña
  15. Murcia – Guiso de Trigo Murciano
  16. Navarra – Estofado de Cerdo al Vino Tinto
  17. Valencia – Olla de la Plana

The culinary diversity here reflects centuries of local tradition. Some recipes have faded with time, others have endured—and those still shared today are true taste-test survivors.

Final Touch 


These Spanish pork stew recipes don’t just warm your belly—they tell stories. Whether you’re looking for a new favorite or just craving a rustic dish, Spain offers a stew for every mood.


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Edu's Rich Pork Stews