Alternative names Escudella Region or state Catalonia Place of origin Spain | Type Soup or stew Variations Escudella de pagès | |
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Main ingredients Pilota (large spiced meatball), vegetables Similar Botifarra, Trinxat, Escalivada, Esqueixada, Neula |
Cocido catalan escudella i carn d olla
Escudella i carn d'olla, or shorter escudella, ([əskuˈðeʎə], [askuˈðeʎa]) is a traditional Catalan soup and stew. It is as well the first referenced soup in Europe; Francesc Eiximenis wrote in the 14th century that it was eaten every day by Catalan people.
Contents
- Cocido catalan escudella i carn d olla
- Cuina de nadal escudella i carn d olla
- Service
- Escudella de Nadal
- References

It is characterized by the use of a pilota, a very big meatball spiced with garlic and parsley; it also contains vegetables as celery, cabbage, carrots, etc. depending on the season. Additionally, bones, sausages called botifarras, and other types of meat, can be used. In historical times a type called escudella de pagès, which had pasta and rice, was traditionally made on Thursdays and Sundays.
Cuina de nadal escudella i carn d olla
Service
Escudella is typically served in two parts:

When both parts are served mixed together, it is called escudella barrejada.
Escudella de Nadal

There is a particular version of this soup that can be called "escudella de Nadal" (Christmas soup) or either "sopa de galets" (galets' soup) and it is very typical on Christmas Day. It includes meat from four different animals, a pilota, several vegetables and the traditional special type of pasta known as galets, which are snail-shaped and notable for their considerable size.
