Sancocho is a soup with origins in the Caribbean, known for its rich flavors thanks to a blend of stewed beef, chicken, root veggies, and corn. This Puerto Rican version is loaded with flavor thanks to sofrito This post contains affiliate links., sazon, and adobo seasoning This post contains affiliate links., plus lots of fresh veggies like green plantain, yams, potatoes, and squash.

Why The Caribbean Loves This Stew

This comforting soup is perfect for serving on a cold Fall or Winter day, with a rich broth, hearty stewed veggies, and warming island spices. It’s no surprise that it can be found throughout the Caribbean & Latin America.

Make sure to try this asopao de pollo (chicken stew) and camarones guisados (stewed shrimp) if you’re in the mood for stew.

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Ingredients

Here’s the grocery list for this recipe:

• olive oil
• beef stew meat, cut into 2 inch cubes
• chicken (can be thighs or breasts), cut into bite sized pieces
• sazon seasoning
• adobo seasoning
• sofrito
• earns of corn, cut into 1 inch rounds
• green plantain, peeled and cut into 1 inch rounds
• yam or sweet potato, cut into 1 inch chunks
• baby potatoes
• squash (can be butternut, calabaza, or kabocha) peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
• water or broth
• salt & pepper to taste
• optional: cilantro, lime juice, and/or pique to garnish

See recipe card for quantities.

Step by Step Instructions

Note: You can also add more adobo or sazon seasoning This post contains affiliate links. to taste at the end.

Optional: Garnish with cilantro & lime juice.

Staple Substitutes

If you don’t have time to make your own some of the more traditional Puerto Rican ingredients, here are some easy substitutes:

• Sazon seasoning This post contains affiliate links.: Buy a jar of sazon online or substitute with ¼ teaspoon each of ground annatto seeds This post contains affiliate links., coriander, cumin, garlic, and oregano.
• Adobo seasoning This post contains affiliate links.: Buy adobo seasoning online or substitute with ¼ teaspoon each of ground onion, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt and pepper.
• Sofrito This post contains affiliate links.: Buy a bottle of premade sofrito online or substitute with ½ cup of minced cilantro, ½ diced small yellow onion, 2 cloves of garlic, and ½ diced bell pepper.

Perfect Pairings

Here are some delicious Puerto Rican sides that go well with this recipe:

Sancocho is especially delicious served over a bowl of mofongo or with your favorite bread to soak up the broth.

If you don’t have time for any special sides, this is always super satisfying when served with a bowl of white rice and a splash of pique.

Sancocho Variations

Here are some variations you can make to your sancocho:

• More meat – In the Dominican Republic this stew is actually known for having 7 different kinds of meat, so feel free to add more to the mix! You can add sausage, goat stew meat, or pork as desired.
• Other root veggies – It’s not uncommon to find taro, yucca, and other kinds of squash in other versions of this recipe. You can try adding your favorite root veggies and play around with whatever veggies your family enjoys.
• Vegetarian version – While the meat is a signature part of this dish, you can certainly keep it vegan/vegetarian by skipping the meat. Simply add the sofrito This post contains affiliate links. and seasonings directly to the pan, instead of marinating the meat first. From there, follow the same steps as outlined in the original recipe.

Storage

Like many stews and soups, sancocho makes wonderful leftovers. The flavors will continue to develop and richen overnight.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in a pot on the stovetop or in the microwave.

More Authentic Puerto Rican Recipes

Top Tip

As you may have noticed, this recipe gives the option to use water or broth as the liquid in this stew. This choice will impact the end result in flavor and salt, which is why I recommend tasting to see what your stew needs before seasoning with salt and pepper at the end. From there, you can also add additional sazon and/or adobo seasoning This post contains affiliate links. if desired.

Buen Provecho,

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