Colombian sancocho is one of the most iconic dishes in Colombian cuisine. It’s a thick, nutritious soup made with meats, root vegetables, vegetables, and spices. Some of the most popular versions include sancocho de gallina (hen), sancocho de costilla (rib), and sancocho de cerdo (pork).
This dish is especially popular in Colombia’s Caribbean region, where it’s considered one of the most representative dishes of local culinary culture. However, it’s also enjoyed in other regions, making it a flagship of Colombian gastronomy.
Here’s how to prepare authentic Colombian sancocho:
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 1 pound of beef ribs
- 1 pound of chicken (thighs or breast) or 1 pound of beef and pork (ribs or loin), or all three for a “trifásico” sancocho
- 2 green plantains, peeled and cut into large pieces
- 3 yucca roots, peeled and cut into large pieces
- 3 ears of corn, cut in half
- 1 large white onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon annatto powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water
Preparation:
- In a large pot, place the beef, chicken, or pork (depending on your choice) with enough water to cover the meat, adding salt and pepper to taste. Let cook over medium heat for about 30 minutes or until the meat is tender and cooked through.
- Remove the meat from the pot and reserve the broth.
- To the broth, add the plantains, yucca, corn, onion, garlic, cumin, cilantro, annatto (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. Let cook over medium-low heat for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Meanwhile, cut the beef and pork into large chunks or the chicken into medium pieces.
- Once the vegetables are tender, add the shredded or cut meat back to the pot with the vegetables and cook over medium-low heat for another 20-30 minutes, or until everything is fully cooked.
- Serve hot and enjoy this delicious Colombian sancocho. You can accompany it with rice and avocado.
Recommended Restaurants in Bogotá
If you’re looking to enjoy an excellent Colombian sancocho in Bogotá, here are a few recommended spots:
- La Puerta Falsa: This iconic restaurant in downtown Bogotá at Calle 11 #6-50 is famous for Bogotá cuisine and serves delicious sancocho de gallina made with fresh ingredients, served with avocado and rice.
- La Fragata: Known for its rustic ambiance and traditional Colombian seafood dishes, including sancocho de pescado (fish), prepared with a mix of fresh seafood and served with ripe plantains and rice. Located at Ac. 100 #8a-55.
- Casa Vieja: Famous for its Colombian dishes, including sancocho de costilla, made with pork ribs and green plantains. You can find it at Avenida Jiménez #3-57.
With this recipe, you can prepare an authentic Colombian sancocho at home and surprise your friends and family with its rich flavor and aroma. If you’re in Bogotá, don’t hesitate to visit these recommended restaurants to experience the dish in its most authentic form. Enjoy!
