Gloria broth is a traditional dish from Galicia, although its origin is controversial, which is made with humble ingredients such as water, dried beans, vegetables, lard, and salt. It has now been enriched by adding ham, chorizo, and bacon. It is the quintessential dish in Galicia, and in the past, it had to be prepared based on the household's economy and its possibilities of acquiring other products. The true Galician broth has always been a humble dish, a rustic dish to fill the stomach in times of scarcity, as Rosalía de Castro said in her poem "Miña casiña, meu lar" included in the famous poetry book "Cantares gallegos," where she referred to it as Caldo de gloria.
Our Caldo de Gloria Castellano is, by excellence, a traditional dish of Spanish cuisine, Galician but especially from the region of Murcia and Castilla y León, which has many virtues, an interesting history, and a simple recipe 1,2,3,4
What is caldo de gloria?
Caldo de gloria is a thick and nutritious soup made with chickpeas, potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, bay leaf, paprika, olive oil, salt, and water. There are various variations depending on the Spanish region in which it is prepared. In the region of Murcia, it is usually served with pieces of fried bread, hard-boiled egg, and bits of serrano ham. It is a very typical dish of Castilian and Murcian gastronomy, mainly consumed during the winter months when it is cold and a comforting and energetic food is needed. However, in Castilla y León, it is prepared with beef and does not require other additions. In Galicia, it is cooked with turnip greens and only fava beans 5,6,7.
What are the virtues of this soup?
Caldo de gloria has many virtues for the health and well-being of those who consume it. Some of them are:
- It is a source of proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, provided by the main ingredients of the dish. Chickpeas are rich in vegetable proteins, which help maintain muscle mass and bone health. Potatoes and carrots contain complex carbohydrates, which provide energy and satiety. Onions and garlic are a source of B vitamins, which are involved in metabolism and the nervous system. Bay leaves and paprika have antioxidant properties, which protect cells from oxidative damage. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, which benefit cardiovascular health and cholesterol. Meat provides animal proteins and essential amino acids, iron, and zinc, which are essential for blood formation and the immune system 8,9.
- It is a dish that promotes togetherness, tradition, and culture, usually shared with family or friends. Caldo de gloria is a dish that is best enjoyed in company, as it is served in a large dish or a clay pot, from which each person serves themselves what they want. It is a way to strengthen bonds, have conversations, and have a good time. In addition, caldo de gloria is a dish that is part of the history, identity, and cultural heritage of our country, which has been passed down from generation to generation and reflects the influence of the different cultures that have passed through the area, such as Arab, Jewish, and Christian cultures 10.
What is the history of this dish?
The origin of caldo de gloria is uncertain, but it is believed to date back to the Middle Ages. At that time, it was a typical dish of peasants, as it was an economical way of feeding themselves. The addition of meat came later in wealthier households.
Caldo de gloria has a history that goes back several centuries, when the region of Murcia was a territory dominated by Muslims. According to some sources, the origin of the dish is due to the need to make use of the leftover food found in the kitchens of Arab palaces, which were mixed with water and cooked in large pots. This resulted in a substantial and tasty broth, which was distributed among the poor and slaves, who appreciated it as a divine blessing. Hence it was called "caldo de gloria," because it was a gift from heaven for the most needy.
Another version places the origin of the dish during the period of the Reconquista, when Christians expelled Muslims from the Iberian Peninsula. According to this theory, caldo de gloria
