Guacho

Guacho Recipe - Traditional Panamanian Dish with Red Beans and Yucca

Region / culture: Panama | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Guacho is a traditional dish from the Dominican Republic that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd. This dish is a delicious combination of red beans, rice, salt pork, yucca, ñame, and a variety of vegetables and seasonings.

History

Guacho has been a staple in Dominican cuisine for generations. It is a dish that is often prepared for special occasions and family gatherings, as it is a filling and satisfying meal that can easily feed a large group of people.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) red beans
1 lb (454 g) rice, washed multiple times
1.5 lb salt pork, cubed
1 lb (454 g) yucca, cut into pieces
1 lb (454 g) ñame, cut into pieces
1 sweet pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
3 or 4 cloves garlic, mashed
1 small can of tomato paste
salt and pepper

How to prepare

Wash the beans and place them in a large pot with plenty of water.
Add 1 tbsp of salt and boil until the beans are almost tender.
Add the salt pork and continue cooking, adding more water as needed, until the beans are fully cooked.
Next, add the rice and mix it well with the beans and meat.
After about half an hour, add the yucca.
Another half an hour later, add the ñame.
Once the ñame is tender, the guacho is ready to be served.
While the guacho is cooking, prepare a "refrito" by sautéing the remaining vegetables and tomato paste.
Place a generous tablespoonful of the "refrito" on top of each serving of guacho.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the salt pork and add extra vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, and corn.
Add a can of coconut milk for a creamy and rich flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to wash the rice multiple times to remove excess starch and prevent the guacho from becoming too sticky.

- Adding the yucca and ñame at different times ensures that they are cooked to perfection and not overcooked.

- The "refrito" adds an extra layer of flavor to the guacho, so be sure to prepare it and add it to each serving before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Guacho is delicious on its own, but can also be served with a side of avocado slices, fried plantains, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the beans until almost tender before adding the rice ensures that the beans are fully cooked and tender.

- Adding the yucca and ñame at different times allows them to cook to perfection without becoming mushy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If yucca and ñame are not available, you can substitute with potatoes or sweet potatoes.

- Use bacon or ham as a substitute for salt pork.

Make Ahead Tips

Guacho can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve guacho in individual bowls and top each serving with a generous spoonful of the "refrito" for a colorful and flavorful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Guacho pairs well with a cold glass of lemonade or a refreshing fruit punch to balance out the rich and savory flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of guacho is approximately 500 calories, making it a substantial meal that can keep you full and satisfied.

Carbohydrates

Guacho is a carbohydrate-rich dish, with the rice, beans, yucca, and ñame providing a good source of energy for the body.

Fats

The salt pork in guacho adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish, but also contributes to the overall fat content.

Proteins

The red beans and salt pork in guacho provide a good amount of protein, making this dish a satisfying and filling meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Yucca and ñame are both rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, adding nutritional value to the dish.

Alergens

Guacho contains pork, so it may not be suitable for those with pork allergies.

Summary

Guacho is a well-rounded dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Summary

Guacho is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd. With a combination of red beans, rice, salt pork, yucca, ñame, and a variety of vegetables and seasonings, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Guacho. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her quaint little village in Argentina. Maria was an incredible cook, and she had invited me over to learn one of her family's traditional recipes.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was hit with the irresistible aroma of spices and herbs. Maria greeted me with a warm smile and handed me a glass of homemade lemonade. She then started to gather the ingredients for the Guacho, a hearty and flavorful dish that her family had been making for generations.

I watched intently as Maria chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers with precision and skill. She then began to brown some tender pieces of beef in a large cast-iron pot, adding in a generous amount of smoked paprika and cumin. The sizzling sound of the meat filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

As the beef cooked, Maria added in some diced tomatoes and a splash of red wine, letting the flavors meld together beautifully. She then poured in some beef broth and brought the mixture to a gentle simmer. The scent of the simmering stew filled the kitchen, making my stomach growl with hunger.

Maria then added in some long-grain rice and stirred it into the stew, letting it absorb all the delicious flavors. She covered the pot with a lid and let it cook slowly on the stovetop, allowing the rice to become tender and fluffy.

After about 30 minutes, Maria removed the lid and gave the Guacho a final stir. She then ladled generous portions into colorful bowls and garnished each serving with freshly chopped cilantro. The vibrant colors and rich aromas of the dish were truly a feast for the senses.

I eagerly took a bite of the Guacho and was instantly transported to a world of bold flavors and comforting warmth. The tender beef, aromatic spices, and fluffy rice all came together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that was both comforting and satisfying.

As I savored each bite, Maria told me the story behind the recipe. She explained how Guacho was a traditional dish that her family had been making for generations. It was a simple yet hearty meal that was perfect for feeding a crowd or for cozying up on a cold winter's night.

I was captivated by the story and the flavors of the Guacho, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself. Maria graciously shared the recipe with me, and I made a mental note to recreate it in my own kitchen as soon as I returned home.

Since that day, Guacho has become a beloved staple in my cooking repertoire. I have made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and cozy nights in with my loved ones. Each time I make it, I am reminded of the warm summer day when I first learned the recipe from Maria and the joy it brings to all who taste it.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that fateful day, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of this delicious recipe and the memories it has brought me. I am grateful for the bond of friendship and the shared love of cooking that brought Maria and me together that day. And I am grateful for the simple pleasures of good food and good company that bring warmth and joy to my heart.

In the end, the recipe for Guacho is more than just a dish to me. It is a symbol of the connections we make through food, the stories we share, and the memories we create together. And for that, I am truly thankful.