The Ajiaco Cubano Recipe is a traditional Cuban dish known for its delicious flavors and nutritious ingredients. It is a hearty and comforting soup that has been enjoyed by generations in Cuba.
Servings 8Servings
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine Cuban
Ingredients
1 1/2tbspCanola Oilor Chicken Fat
1lbChicken Breast
1lbPork
8ozBacon
6cloves Garlic minced
1 1/2onion Medium white peeled and quartered
1/2lbpotatoes peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2lbyam peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1lbcassava
1lbmalanga
1cuptomato sauce
1 chili pepperlarge
2lemons
1lbPumpkin peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1Yellow Bell Pepper slicesliced
1Celery rib finely chopped
1Carrot finely chopped
1Corn Ear cut into quarters
1Plantain Ripe Plantain peeled and cut into chunks
1/2cupCilantro leave and cilantro stems separated
3 1/2cupsChicken broth
3/4tbspKosher salt
1/2tspBlack Pepper
1 1/2Limes juiced
1/2cupSour cream
Equipment
Large Pot
Cutting board
knife
wooden spoon
Ladle
Method
Prepping the Meat:
a. In a large pot, heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of chicken fat or canola oil over medium heat.
b. Add 1 pound of chicken breast and 1 pound of pork to the pot, searing them until browned on all sides.
c. Once browned, remove the chicken and pork from the pot and set them aside.
Preparing the Flavor Base:
a. In the same pot, add 8 ounces of bacon and cook until crispy.
b. Add 6 minced garlic cloves and 1 1/2 medium white onions (quartered) to the bacon and cook until the onions are translucent.
Building the Soup Base:
a. Return the seared chicken and pork to the pot with the bacon, garlic, and onions.
b. Add 1/2 pound of Yukon Gold potatoes, 1 pound of regular potatoes, 1/2 pound of yam, 1 pound of cassava, and 1 pound of malanga. Stir to combine.
c. Include 2 tender corn cobs, 1 cup of tomato sauce, 1 large chili pepper, and the juice of 2 lemons.
d. Pour in 3 1/2 cups of chicken broth and add 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper and 3/4 tablespoon of kosher salt.
Simmering the Soup:
a. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover it with a lid.
b. Let the Ajiaco simmer for about 1 hour, or until the potatoes and root vegetables are tender.
Adding Finishing Touches:
a. Stir in 1 pound of peeled and cubed pumpkin, 1 sliced yellow bell pepper, 1 finely chopped celery rib, 1 finely chopped carrot, 1 quartered corn ear, and the chunks of 1 ripe plantain.
b. Include the leaves and stems of 1/2 cup of cilantro and continue to simmer the soup for an additional 30 minutes until all the vegetables are cooked through.
Serving the Ajiaco Cubano:
a. Ladle the soup into individual serving bowls.
b. Garnish each bowl with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves.
c. Serve the Ajiaco hot and enjoy this hearty Cuban dish with your friends and family.
When cutting the vegetables, try to make them similar in size for even cooking.Prepping all the ingredients in advance will make the cooking process smoother.If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes while simmering.For a more intense flavor, cook the Ajiaco Cubano a day ahead and reheat before serving.Adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer chili peppers, according to taste.