Cuisine : Hallaca - Venezuelan dish & steps to make

 

Hallaca is a traditional Venezuelan dish, often prepared during the Christmas season. It consists of a masa (dough) made from cornmeal, filled with a flavorful mixture of meats, olives, capers, and raisins, all wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. Here's a detailed step-by-step guide on how to prepare Hallaca:

### Ingredients:

#### For the Dough (Masa):

- 3 cups pre-cooked cornmeal (masarepa)

- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (warm)

- 1 cup lard or vegetable oil

- Salt to taste

#### For the Filling:

- 2 cups cooked and shredded beef

- 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken

- 1 cup cooked and shredded pork

- 1 cup cooked and shredded ham

- 1 cup raisins

- 1 cup pitted green olives, sliced

- 1/2 cup capers

- 2 large onions, finely chopped

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 4 tomatoes, peeled and chopped

- 1 cup roasted red peppers, chopped

- 1 cup chickpeas (garbanzo beans), cooked

- 1/2 cup vegetable oil

- Salt and pepper to taste

#### For Assembly:

- Banana leaves, cut into rectangles and softened over an open flame or in hot water

- Butcher's twine for tying the hallacas

### Instructions:

#### Filling Preparation:

1. In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.

2. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sauté until softened.

3. Add tomatoes and roasted red peppers, cooking until they break down.

4. Stir in shredded meats, raisins, olives, capers, and chickpeas.

5. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Cook the filling until it's well combined and has a thick consistency.

#### Dough (Masa) Preparation:

1. In a large bowl, combine pre-cooked cornmeal with warm chicken or vegetable broth.

2. Add lard or vegetable oil and salt, mixing until you get a soft, pliable dough.

#### Assembling Hallacas:

1. Take a softened banana leaf and place a portion of the masa in the center, spreading it into a rectangle.

2. Spoon a generous amount of the meat filling onto the masa.

3. Fold the banana leaf over the filling, creating a rectangular package.

4. Tie the hallaca securely with butcher's twine.

5. Repeat the process until all hallacas are assembled.

#### Steaming:

1. Arrange the hallacas in a large steamer.

2. Steam for about 1-2 hours or until the masa is cooked through.

#### Serving:

1. Allow hallacas to cool slightly before serving.

2. Unwrap, discard the banana leaves, and enjoy your delicious hallacas!

Hallacas are often served during festive occasions and are a labor of love, usually prepared by multiple family members coming together. The flavors meld beautifully during the steaming process, resulting in a uniquely Venezuelan dish.