Sancocho (Hearty Meat and Root Vegetable Stew)

Ingredients

• Meats:
• 1 lb beef stew meat (chuck or short ribs, cut into chunks)
• 1 lb pork ribs (or pork shoulder, cut into chunks)
• 1 lb chicken thighs (bone-in, skin removed)
• 2 Spanish chorizo links, sliced
• Root Vegetables & Starches:
• 2 green plantains, peeled and sliced
• 2 yautía (malanga), peeled and chopped
• 2 yuca (cassava) roots, peeled and chopped
• 1 large sweet potato (batata), peeled and diced
• 2 corn cobs, cut into thirds
• 3 potatoes, diced
• Aromatics & Seasoning:
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 cup recaito (blend of cilantro, culantro, garlic, and peppers)
• 2 ají dulce peppers, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tbsp adobo seasoning
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• Liquid Base:
• 8 cups beef or chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 0.5 cup white cooking wine (optional, enhances flavor)
• Finishing Touches:
• 0.5 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 limes, cut into wedges
• Avocado slices, for serving

Instructions

1. 11️⃣ Sear the Meats:
2. 21️⃣ In a large caldero or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat.
3. 32️⃣ Brown the beef, pork, and chicken in batches to seal in the flavors. Remove and set aside.
4. 42️⃣ Build the Base:
5. 51️⃣ In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, and ají dulce until softened and fragrant.
6. 62️⃣ Stir in recaito, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, adobo, oregano, and bay leaves.
7. 73️⃣ Let it cook for 2 minutes to develop the flavors.
8. 83️⃣ Deglaze & Simmer:
9. 91️⃣ Pour in the white cooking wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
10. 102️⃣ Add broth and water, then return the meats to the pot.
11. 113️⃣ Cover and simmer on low heat for 45 minutes.
12. 124️⃣ Add the Vegetables:
13. 131️⃣ Add yuca, plantains, yautía, potatoes, sweet potato, and corn.
14. 142️⃣ Stir well and let simmer for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender.
15. 155️⃣ Final Touches:
16. 161️⃣ Add sliced chorizo and cook for another 10 minutes.
17. 172️⃣ Stir in fresh cilantro right before serving for a burst of brightness.
18. 186️⃣ Serve & Enjoy:
19. 191️⃣ Ladle the Sancocho into bowls and serve with white rice, avocado slices, and lime wedges for the perfect Puerto Rican experience. 🌴✨