Sancocho Recipe – Colombian Meat and Plantain Stew
This Sancocho recipe brings Colombia’s beloved one-pot meal to your kitchen. A hearty stew of beef, chicken, or pork simmered with plantains, cassava, potatoes, and fragrant herbs, Sancocho is served at family gatherings and Sunday lunches across the country. The slow cooking yields a rich broth and tender meat that warms the soul.
Ingredients (serves 6–8)
Meat & Broth
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1½ lbs (680 g) beef short ribs or pork ribs
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1½ lbs (680 g) bone-in chicken pieces
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10 cups (2.4 L) water or chicken broth
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2 bay leaves
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1 tsp salt
Vegetables
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2 green plantains, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
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2 cups (300 g) cassava (yuca), peeled and cut into chunks
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2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
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2 ears corn, cut into 3-inch pieces
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1 cup (150 g) diced carrots
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1 medium onion, chopped
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3 garlic cloves, minced
Seasoning & Garnish
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1 tsp ground cumin
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½ tsp black pepper
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¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
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Lime wedges for serving
How to Make Sancocho Recipe
1. Build the Broth
Place beef, chicken, water (or broth), bay leaves, and salt in a large soup pot. Bring to a boil, skim any foam, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 45 minutes.
2. Add Vegetables
Stir in plantains, cassava, potatoes, corn, carrots, onion, and garlic. Simmer 35–40 minutes until meats are tender and vegetables are soft.
3. Season and Finish
Add cumin and black pepper. Taste and adjust salt. Sprinkle in fresh cilantro just before serving.
Serving the Sancocho Recipe
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Serve each bowl with white rice and avocado slices.
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Offer lime wedges for a bright citrus touch.
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A side of aji (Colombian hot sauce) adds optional heat.
Pro Tips
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Mix Meats: Combining beef and chicken is traditional for layered flavor.
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Low Simmer: Gentle cooking keeps the broth clear and rich.
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Make Ahead: Sancocho tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
Storage
Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop. This Sancocho recipe also freezes well for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use only one type of meat?
Yes. Beef alone or chicken alone works—adjust cooking time accordingly.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely. Squash or green beans are common regional additions.
Is Sancocho spicy?
Traditionally it’s mild, but you can add hot sauce or diced chili for heat.
