Cooking - Sancocho : High to prepare this Dominican dish

 

Sancocho is a hearty and flavorful stew that is considered the national dish of the Dominican Republic. It's made using a variety of meats, vegetables, and seasonings. Here's a basic recipe for making Dominican Sancocho:

**Ingredients:**

- 2 pounds of assorted meats (such as chicken, beef, pork, and/or goat), cut into chunks

- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

- 1 large onion, finely chopped

- 4 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1 bell pepper, chopped

- 2 tomatoes, chopped

- 2 celery stalks, chopped

- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced

- 1 yam or sweet potato, peeled and cut into chunks

- 1 corn on the cob, cut into rounds

- 1-2 plantains, peeled and cut into chunks

- 1/2 cup of auyama (West Indian pumpkin) or butternut squash, peeled and diced

- 1 teaspoon of oregano

- 1 teaspoon of thyme

- 1 teaspoon of paprika

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Water

- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

2. Add the chopped onions, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until the onions become translucent.

3. Add the assorted meats to the pot and brown them on all sides.

4. Stir in the tomatoes, celery, carrots, yam or sweet potato, corn on the cob, plantains, and auyama or squash.

5. Season the mixture with oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat all ingredients with the spices.

6. Add enough water to cover all the ingredients by about 2 inches.

7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the meats are tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Skim off any foam that rises to the top.

8. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed, adding more salt or pepper as desired.

9. Serve the Sancocho hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

Sancocho is often enjoyed with a side of white rice, avocado slices, and a slice of crusty bread. It's a comforting and satisfying dish that's perfect for sharing with family and friends.