Sancocho de Fiestas Patrias
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- Whole chickens, cut into pieces — about 3 kg (6.6 lb total)
- Ñame (yam) or yuca, peeled and cubed — 4
- Corn cobs, cut into pieces — 4
- Onions, chopped — 2
- Garlic, minced — 6 cloves
- Culantro (or substitute cilantro), chopped — 8 sprigs
- Water — 3.8 L (128 fl oz)
- Salt and pepper — to taste
- Rice, to serve — 740 g (1.6 lb)
Method
- Place the chicken, onion, garlic and water in a very large pot and bring to a boil.
- Skim any foam from the surface, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 35 minutes.
- Add the ñame or yuca and corn, and continue simmering for a further 30–35 minutes until the chicken and vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the chopped culantro in the final 5 minutes of cooking.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot with freshly cooked rice to the gathered family and community for the independence celebration.
Introduction: A generous, feast-sized version of Panama's national sancocho, prepared for independence celebrations and large family gatherings.
Cultural Background: During Panama's national independence celebrations in November, sancocho is often prepared in large quantities for family and community gatherings, its comforting, generous character embodying the celebratory spirit of the season.
Tips: Cooking in a very large pot ensures everything cooks evenly for this generous, feast-sized batch. Skimming the foam early in cooking gives a cleaner, clearer broth even at this larger scale.
Variations: Add extra corn and root vegetables for an even more generous, hearty version. Serve alongside traditional sides like patacones for a complete festive spread.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
FAQs:
Q: When are Panama's independence celebrations?
A: Panama celebrates several important dates in November, often referred to collectively as Fiestas Patrias, marked with parades and family gatherings.
Q: How many people does this festive batch serve?
A: This quantity comfortably serves 16–20 people as part of a larger celebratory gathering.
- Whole chickens, cut into pieces — about 3 kg (6.6 lb total)
- Ñame (yam) or yuca, peeled and cubed — 4
- Corn cobs, cut into pieces — 4
- Onions, chopped — 2
- Garlic, minced — 6 cloves
- Culantro (or substitute cilantro), chopped — 8 sprigs
- Water — 3.8 L (128 fl oz)
- Salt and pepper — to taste
- Rice, to serve — 740 g (1.6 lb)
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