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14. Bolivian Picana 1

Bolivian Picana Recipe

5 from 1 vote
Bolivian Picana Recipes are a traditional dish from Bolivia that is enjoyed by many people. It is a flavorful and nutritious recipe that has been passed down through generations.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Course: Soup, Stew
Cuisine: Bolivian
Calories: 935

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb. chicken medium-sized
  • 1 lb. beef
  • 1 lb. lamb shoulder
  • 5 potatoes large
  • 6 ozs. pumpkin
  • 4 carrots
  • 1 turnip
  • 2 sprigs of parsley and celery
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 4 peppers green chili
  • 1 onion
  • 1 1/2 cups wine
  • 1.33 cups beer
  • 3/4 teaspoon white peppercorns
  • 3 tablespoons red pepper
  • 1 teaspoon oregano ground
  • 1 teaspoons anise
  • 1 tablespoons sugar
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 mint sprig

Equipment

  • Large pot for cooking the soup
  • Cutting board and knife for ingredient preparation
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Ladle or large spoon for serving
  • Tongs for handling meat
  • Skimmer or slotted spoon for removing impurities

Method
 

Preparation
  1. a. Clean and wash the medium-sized chicken thoroughly.
  2. b. Cut the beef into bite-sized cubes.
  3. c. Season the lamb shoulder with salt and set it aside.
  4. d. Peel and dice the large potatoes.
  5. e. Peel and cube the pumpkin.
  6. f. Peel and slice the carrots.
  7. g. Peel and dice the turnip.
  8. h. Chop the parsley and celery sprigs finely.
  9. i. Remove the stems and seeds from the green chili peppers and slice them.
  10. j. Peel and finely chop the onion.
  11. k. Measure 1 1/2 cups of wine and set it aside.
  12. l. Measure 1.33 cups of beer and set it aside.
  13. m. Crush the whole white peppercorns lightly.
  14. n. Grind the whole red pepper into a powder.
  15. o. Measure 1 teaspoon of ground oregano.
  16. p. Measure 1 teaspoon of anise.
  17. q. Measure 1 tablespoon of sugar.
  18. r. Rinse the sprig of mint.
Cooking
  1. a. In a large pot, add water and bring it to a boil.
  2. b. Add the chicken, beef cubes, and seasoned lamb shoulder to the pot.
  3. c. Add the diced potatoes, cubed pumpkin, sliced carrots, diced turnip, chopped parsley and celery, bay leaves, sliced green chili peppers, and chopped onion to the pot.
  4. d. Pour in the measured wine and beer.
  5. e. Add the lightly crushed white peppercorns, ground red pepper, ground oregano, anise, and sugar to the pot.
  6. f. Stir all the ingredients well to combine.
  7. g. Bring the pot to a boil and then reduce the heat to simmer.
  8. h. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 2 hours or until the meat is tender.
  9. i. Occasionally skim off any impurities that rise to the surface.
  10. j. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.
  11. k. Add the rinsed sprig of mint to the pot and continue simmering for an additional 10 minutes.
  12. l. Remove the pot from heat and discard the sprig of mint and bay leaves.

Notes

Season the meat overnight for enhanced flavor.
Use a pressure cooker to reduce cooking time.
Cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Skim off excess fat during the cooking process for a healthier dish.
Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for a tangy twist.
Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro for added freshness.