The Gloria Castellano broth is a traditional dish from Galicia, although its origin is controversial, made with humble ingredients such as water, dry beans, vegetables, lard, and salt. Currently, it has been enriched by adding ham, chorizo, and bacon. It is the quintessential dish in Galicia, and in the past, it had to be prepared according to the household's economy and its ability to acquire other products. The true Galician broth has always been a humble dish, a local 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 mentioned it as Caldo de gloria.

Our Gloria Castellano broth is, by excellence, a traditional dish of Spanish cuisine, Galician but also especially from the region of Murcia and Castilla y León, which has many benefits, an interesting history, and a simple recipe.

What is Gloria broth?

The Gloria broth is a thick and nutritious soup made with chickpeas, potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, bay leaf, paprika, olive oil, salt, and water. There are various versions depending on the Spanish region where 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 in 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 beans.

What are the benefits of this dish?

The Gloria broth has many health benefits for the 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 plant proteins, which help maintain muscle mass and bone health. Potatoes and carrots contain complex carbohydrates, providing energy and satiety. Onion and garlic are a source of B vitamins, which are involved in metabolism and the nervous system. Bay leaf and paprika have antioxidant properties, protecting cells from oxidative damage. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, benefiting cardiovascular health and cholesterol. Meat provides animal proteins, essential amino acids, iron, and zinc, essential for blood formation and the immune system.
• It is a dish that promotes coexistence, tradition, and culture, usually shared with family or friends. The Gloria broth is a dish that is best enjoyed in company, served in a large bowl or clay pot, from which each person serves themselves. It is a way to strengthen bonds, converse, and have a good time. Additionally, the Gloria broth is a dish that is part of the history, identity, and cultural heritage of our country, passed down from generation to generation, reflecting the influence of the different cultures that have passed through the region.

What is the history of this dish?

The origin of the Gloria broth, Galician, Murcian, or Castilian, 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 to feed themselves. The addition of meat came later in wealthier households.

The Gloria broth has a history that dates back several centuries, when the region of Murcia was a territory dominated by the 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 boiled in large pots. This way, a substantial and tasty broth was obtained, distributed among the poor and slaves, who appreciated it as a divine blessing. Hence it was called "Gloria broth," because it was a heavenly gift to the most needy.

Another version places the origin of the dish in the time of the Reconquista, when Christians expelled Muslims from the Iberian Peninsula. According to this theory, the Gloria broth was a way to celebrate victory and demonstrate the Christian faith, adding ingredients forbidden by Islam, such as pork and eggs. In this way, the dish became a symbol of God's glory and the new religion.

Discussion and controversy

Whatever the true origin of the Gloria broth, Galician, Murc