Sancocho (Hearty Plantain Stew)
A rich, hearty stew featuring plantains along with various meats, root vegetables, and corn in a flavorful broth.
Ingredients
- 2 green plantains, peeled and chopped
- 1 lb beef stew meat
- 1 lb chicken pieces
- 1 lb pork ribs
- 2 ears corn, cut into chunks
- 2 yuca (cassava), peeled and chopped
- 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp sofrito
- 8 cups water or broth
- Cilantro and lime for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the meats in batches.
- Add onion, garlic, and sofrito, cook until fragrant.
- Add water or broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
- Add root vegetables and plantains.
- Continue simmering for 45 minutes.
- Add corn and cook 15 minutes more.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot with cilantro and lime wedges.
Expert Tips
- Use a variety of meats for richer flavor
- Add vegetables according to cooking time (hardest first)
- Don't stir too much to avoid breaking vegetables
- The stew tastes even better the next day
- Serve with white rice for a complete meal