Puchero Moderno

Puchero Moderno Recipe from Bolivia: Garlic, Chorizo, and Ancho Chiles

Region / culture: Bolivia | Servings: 6

Introduction

History

Puchero is a traditional Spanish stew that has been enjoyed for centuries. Originally made with a combination of meats, vegetables, and legumes, this dish has evolved over time to include a wider variety of ingredients. The modern version of Puchero incorporates a mix of fresh vegetables, chicken, and sausage, creating a delicious and nutritious meal.

Ingredients

3 garlic cloves, chopped
2 tsp oil
6 qt (5.68 liter) water
1 whole chicken, rinsed well and patted dry (about 3 lb (1.36 kg))
3 bay leaves
3 sprigs thyme
1 tbsp black peppercorns
2 tbsp kosher salt
2 ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
1 lemon, zest of
10 oz (283 g) white pearl onions, roots trimmed off
1 lb (454 g) brussels sprouts, trimmed and washed
9 oz (255 g) baby carrots, peeled
2 small sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup corn kernels
5 leeks, white parts only, split and washed
3 chorizo sausages (about 1 lb (454 g))
2 tbsp chopped flat leaf parsley, to garnish
coarse grain mustard, for dipping

How to prepare

In a large stockpot, sauté garlic in oil until softened.
Add the water, chicken, bay leaves, thyme, peppercorns, salt, and chiles; bring to a boil over high heat.
Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 1.5 hours, occasionally skimming off any fat that rises to the surface.
Transfer the chicken from the pot to a serving platter, and cut into serving pieces or shred.
Add lemon zest to the broth.
Bring a saucepan of water to a boil.
Prepare a small ice-water bath by placing ice and cold water into another saucepan.
Blanch the onions by boiling for 1 minute, then transferring to the ice-water bath.
Once the onions have cooled, peel them.
Place all vegetables (including the onions) in the center of a large square of doubled-up cheesecloth and tie it tightly to form a bundle.
Add the bundle to the pot and simmer for 8 minutes.
Add the chorizo and simmer for an additional 3 minutes, occasionally skimming the surface of the soup.
Remove the bundle, cut it open, and add the vegetables to the serving platter.
Strain the broth, then add the parsley.
Ladle the broth into small bowls and serve with chicken and vegetables, with mustard on the side for dipping the chicken and vegetables.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and sausage and add extra vegetables such as potatoes, squash, or mushrooms.
Add a can of chickpeas or white beans for extra protein and fiber.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the stew to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse the chicken well and pat it dry before adding it to the pot to ensure a clean and flavorful broth.

- Skim off any fat that rises to the surface of the broth during cooking to keep the stew light and flavorful.

- Blanching the onions before adding them to the stew helps to soften their flavor and texture, making them a delicious addition to the dish.

- Tying the vegetables in a cheesecloth bundle helps to infuse the broth with their flavors while keeping them intact for serving.

Serving Suggestions

Puchero Moderno is delicious on its own, but can also be served with a side of crusty bread or rice to soak up the flavorful broth. A simple green salad or a side of pickled vegetables can also complement the dish nicely.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the garlic before adding the water helps to release its flavor and aroma, enhancing the overall taste of the stew.

- Simmering the stew slowly over low heat allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and flavorful broth.

- Blanching the onions before adding them to the stew helps to soften their flavor and texture, making them a delicious addition to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find ancho chiles, you can substitute with dried guajillo or pasilla chiles for a similar flavor profile.

- Feel free to use any type of sausage you prefer, such as chorizo, Italian sausage, or kielbasa, to add a different flavor to the stew.

- You can use any combination of vegetables you like in this stew, such as potatoes, squash, green beans, or bell peppers, to customize the dish to your taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Puchero Moderno can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the stew on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through before serving.

Presentation Ideas

To serve Puchero Moderno, arrange the chicken and vegetables on a large platter and ladle the broth into small bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and serve with coarse mustard on the side for dipping.

Pairing Recommendations

Puchero Moderno pairs well with a variety of wines, such as a light and fruity red like Pinot Noir or a crisp and refreshing white like Sauvignon Blanc. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving the stew with a glass of sparkling water with a splash of lemon or lime.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Puchero Moderno can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply transfer the stew to a saucepan and warm over low heat until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to thin out the stew.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

380

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 32g

- Dietary Fiber: 6g

- Sugars: 10g

Fats

- Total Fat: 18g

- Saturated Fat: 6g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 28g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 120%

- Vitamin C: 80%

- Calcium: 10%

- Iron: 15%

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

Puchero Moderno is a well-balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. With only 380 calories per serving, this dish is a nutritious and satisfying option for a hearty meal.

Summary

Puchero Moderno is a delicious and hearty Spanish stew that is perfect for a comforting meal on a cold day. This modern twist on the traditional recipe incorporates a variety of vegetables, chicken, and sausage to create a flavorful and satisfying dish. With a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals, this stew is a nutritious and delicious option for a hearty meal. Serve with crusty bread or rice, and enjoy the rich and flavorful broth with each bite.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Puchero Moderno. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her quaint little village. Maria had always been known for her delicious cooking, and she had promised to share one of her most prized recipes with me.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, she pulled out a tattered old cookbook that had been passed down through generations of her family. She flipped through the pages until she found the recipe she had been searching for. It was for a dish called Puchero Moderno, a modern twist on the traditional Spanish stew.

Maria explained that the recipe had been handed down to her from her grandmother, who had learned it from a close friend many years ago. She described how the flavors of the dish were rich and hearty, with a perfect balance of meats, vegetables, and spices. I was instantly intrigued and knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

Maria patiently guided me through each step of the recipe, teaching me the techniques and secrets that had been passed down through generations. She showed me how to layer the ingredients in the pot, starting with a base of onions, garlic, and tomatoes. Then came the meats - a combination of beef, chicken, and chorizo - each adding its own unique flavor to the dish.

As the stew simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with a mouth-watering aroma, Maria shared stories of her family and the traditions that had shaped her love for cooking. She spoke of lazy Sunday afternoons spent gathered around the table, enjoying a steaming bowl of Puchero Moderno with loved ones.

I watched in awe as she effortlessly stirred the pot, tasting and adjusting the seasonings until the flavors were just right. Finally, she ladled the stew into bowls and garnished them with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of paprika. The dish was a work of art, a testament to the time-honored recipes and techniques that had been passed down through the generations.

As I took my first bite of Puchero Moderno, I was transported back in time to Maria's childhood kitchen, surrounded by the warmth and love of her family. The flavors were bold and comforting, each bite a symphony of tastes and textures that danced on my tongue.

From that moment on, Puchero Moderno became a staple in my own kitchen. I would prepare it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and quiet nights at home. Each time I made the dish, I would think of Maria and the special bond we shared over our love of cooking and tradition.

Years passed, and Maria's cookbook became worn and stained from years of use. But the recipe for Puchero Moderno remained a timeless classic, a reminder of the beauty and simplicity of traditional cooking. And as I passed the recipe on to my own grandchildren, I knew that it would continue to bring joy and comfort for generations to come.