Sancocho is a flavorful traditional stew enjoyed in Puerto Rico and other Latin American countries. This hearty dish typically features a variety of meats, root vegetables, and herbs, creating a rich and satisfying flavor.
Sancocho is a cherished dish in Puerto Rico because it reflects the island's rich culinary heritage and the influence of African, Indigenous, and Spanish cultures. The flavors of Puerto Rican sancocho are a harmonious blend of diverse ingredients, creating a warm and comforting taste experience. Other delicious Puerto Rican dishes include Pernil (Puerto Rican Pork Roast), Arroz con Gandules (Rice and Pigeon Peas), and Mofongo.
This Puerto Rican Stew, is a symbol of community in Puerto Rican life, is more than a meal—it's a tradition that unites people during celebrations. Enhance the experience by pairing it with sides like white rice, avocado, arepas, fried tostones, or a fresh salad for a refreshing contrast. Experiment to find the perfect accompaniments that suit your taste preferences.
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Why you would love this recipe
- Hearty and Satisfying: This Puerto Rican Stew is substantial and filling thanks to its diverse mix of meats, root vegetables, and tubers. It provides a satisfying and comforting meal experience.
- Cultural Significance: Sancocho carries cultural significance in Puerto Rico and Latin American countries, symbolizing communal gatherings and celebrations. Its preparation and sharing bring people together, fostering a sense of community.
- Versatility: The recipe's flexibility allows for creative adaptations and personalization. Whether adjusting meats, vegetables, or spices, individuals can tailor it to suit their tastes and preferences.
In essence, sancocho is more than just a recipe; it's a culinary experience that embodies tradition, community, and the joy of sharing a delicious and comforting meal with those you care about.
Ingredient Notes
- Beef: For this recipe, I used both beef and chicken, but you may use one or the other or a combination of two or more.
- Yautia: I love this root vegetable. I buy the purple variety, is has a dryer almost astringent texture in comparison to potatoes, and it has a mild flavor.
- Tubers: Potatoes and ñame (yam) are frequently used, contributing to the stew's thickness.
- Corn: Corn on the cob, cut into smaller pieces, is a classic addition.
- Aromatics: Onions, garlic, and cilantro provide a robust base of flavors.
- Herbs and Spices: Oregano, bay leaves, and achiote (annatto) are often used for seasoning.
- Broth: Chicken or beef broth is essential for creating the savory broth that defines sancocho.
See my recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
Variations and Substitutions
- Meats: Substitute chicken, beef, or pork with a combination of your choice. Include sausages, chorizo, or other cured meats for added flavor. Don't forget Sancocho can also be made with seafood and fish.
- Vegan: In history, sancocho was a meal prepared by the slaves for their fellow slaves without the use of meats and only vegetables and tubers. Sancocho does not need to have meats for it to be delicious. Substitute chicken or beef broth with vegetable broth or water.
- Aromatics: Add leeks, green onions, or shallots for a twist in flavor. Include more garlic or herbs like thyme and rosemary.
- Broth: Combine chicken and vegetable broth for a lighter version. Consider using fish or seafood broth for a distinct flavor. Boullion cubes and pastes are another substitution, however, read the instructions. Boullion is a concentrated version of broth and stock, not enough water could render a salty product whereas too much water would taste water down. Some Boullion cubes have artificial colorings and flavors as well, something to keep in mind when purchasing.
How to make Sancocho
Here are the step-by-step instructions to make this delicious Puerto Rican Stew!
If using meats, consider marinating the meats at least 30 minutes to an hour before beginning the cooking process or up to 24 hours in advance.
- On medium-high heat, warm up about a tablespoon of olive oil in a Dutch oven, or stock pot. Once hot, place the season stew beef in the pot and sear until brown, but not cooked all the way through. When beef is brown remove and set aside.
- Keep heat on medium-high heat then in the same pot, begin to sear the chicken. If the chicken has skin on, sear the skin side down to render the fat from the skin. Wait until the skin has crisp and browned, and flip to the other side. Do not cook the chicken all the way through. Set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add carrots and onions. Cook until transparent and vegetables begin to soften.
- Add sofrito and cook for about one to two minutes. Using the moisture from the vegetables and the sofrito deglaze the bottom of the pan. Use a wooden spoon to gently scrape the brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.
- After a few minutes and the vegetables have become tender, begin layering the rest of the ingredients. Start with the chicken.
- Then add the browned stew beef.
- Then add the starchy vegetables; yautia, corn on the cob (I cut the corn on the cub into quarters), baby potatoes (cut in half or quarters), and plantains (cut into sixths).
- Fill the pot with 32 ounces of beef, chicken, or a combination of both broths. I only used beef and topped the rest with water. Cover and allow to simmer for 30 to 40 minutes or until meat is tender and starchy vegetables fall off the fork when pierced.
Expert Tips
- Layered Flavors: Sear meats before simmering for a deeper flavor profile. Add ingredients in stages to let each component contribute to the overall taste.
- Broth Balance: Achieve a well-balanced broth by using a combination of chicken and beef broth. Consider making your broth from scratch for an extra layer of richness.
- Rendering of Aromatics: Allow garlic, onions, and cilantro to sauté and release their aromas before adding other ingredients. This step intensifies the savory essence.
- Root Vegetables Timing: Add root vegetables like yuca and plantains early in the cooking process, while softer vegetables like corn and potatoes can be added later to prevent overcooking.
- Slow Simmer: Let the sancocho simmer on low heat to allow the flavors to meld. This slow cooking process is crucial for a rich and well-developed taste.
Remember, sancocho is a flexible dish, and regional variations exist, so don't be afraid to tailor it to your preferences. Enjoy the process and savor the rich flavors of this beloved Latin American stew!
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can create a vegetarian version by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth. Increase the variety of vegetables and consider adding plant-based protein alternatives.
Yes, sancocho freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Reheat gently when ready to enjoy.
To thicken sancocho, you can mash some of the root vegetables.
Yes, sancocho adapts well to slow cookers. Adjust cooking times accordingly and layer ingredients to maintain flavors.
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📖 Recipe
Sancocho, Puerto Rican Stew
Ingredients
- 1 Lbs Stew Beef
- 6 pcs Chicken thighs or Chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoon Sazon Dived
- 2 Tbsp Adobo powder Divided
- 32 Oz Broth Chicken, beef, or a combination of both
- 2 tablespoon Sofrito
- 1 Onion Diced medium
- 2 Carrots Peeled and sliced
- 2 ears Corn on the Cob Cut into quarters
- 2 Small Yautias Or other desired tuber
- 2 Plantains Cut into eights
- ½ Pound Baby potatoes cut in half or quarters
- 1½ Cups Calabaza diced medium
Instructions
Seasoning and pre-prep
- If using meats, consider marinating the meats at least 30 minutes to an hour before beginning the cooking process or up to 24 hours in advance.
Making Sancocho
- On medium-high heat, warm up about a tablespoon of olive oil in a Dutch oven, or stock pot. Once hot, place the season stew beef in the pot and sear until brown, but not cooked all the way through. When beef is brown remove and set aside.
- Keep heat on medium-high heat then in the same pot, begin to sear the chicken. If the chicken has skin on, sear the skin side down to render the fat from the skin. Wait until the skin has crisp and browned, and flip to the other side. Do not cook the chicken all the way through. Set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add carrots and onions. Cook until transparent and vegetables begin to soften.
- Add sofrito and cook for about one to two minutes. Using the moisture from the vegetables and the sofrito deglaze the bottom of the pan. Use a wooden spoon to gently scrape the brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.
- After a few minutes and the vegetables have become tender, begin layering the rest of the ingredients. Start with the chicken.
- Then add the browned stew beef.
- Then add the starchy vegetables; yautia, corn on the cob (I cut the corn on the cub into quarters), baby potatoes (cut in half or quarters), and plantains (cut into sixths).
- Fill the pot with 32 ounces of beef, chicken, or a combination of both broths. I only used beef and topped the rest with water. Cover and allow to simmer for 30 to 40 minutes or until meat is tender and starchy vegetables fall off the fork when pierced.
Zoe Forestier Villegas says
Delicious and hearty, great for cold winter days.