Sopión

Sopión Recipe - Traditional Vegetarian Dish from Dominican Republic

Region / culture: Dominican Republic | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Sopión is a traditional Dominican dish that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting meal. This dish is a combination of red kidney beans, pork chops, sausages, sweet potatoes, and plantains, all cooked together to create a delicious and satisfying stew.

History

Sopión has its roots in Dominican cuisine, where it is a popular dish enjoyed by many families. This dish is often served during special occasions and gatherings, as it is a filling and flavorful meal that is sure to please a crowd.

Ingredients

4 cups of red kidney beans, boiled until very soft
7 cups of water
0.5 cup of chopped celery
1 small red onion, cut into four quarters
1 cube of chicken stock
1 tsp of chopped parsley
1 tsp of chopped coriander
0.5 tsp of thyme leaves
1 tbsp of tomato sauce
2 plum tomatoes, cut into halves
1 tbsp of oil
0.5 lb (227 g) of pork chops with bones
1 lb (454 g) of spicy pork sausages
0.5 tsp of mashed garlic
1 pinch of oregano
0.5 lb (227 g) of sweet potatoes
2 ripe plantains
1 tsp of sugar
1 tsp of salt

How to prepare

In a pot, heat the oil. Add oregano, celery, onion, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Stir.
Add the pork chops, sausages, and two tablespoons of water.
When the water has almost evaporated, add the chicken stock and two more spoons of water. Stir.
Add beans and 3 cups of water, mashing the beans over heat.
Let half of the water evaporate, leaving the pot uncovered.
Add the remaining water, sugar, sweet potatoes, and plantains. Adjust salt to taste.
Let it boil at medium heat until it reaches a creamy consistency.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, you can omit the pork chops and sausages and add more vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini.
You can also add some coconut milk to the stew for a creamy and tropical twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to boil the red kidney beans until they are very soft, as this will help to create a creamy consistency in the stew.

- Adjust the salt to taste, as the amount needed may vary depending on the saltiness of the chicken stock and sausages.

- For added flavor, you can brown the pork chops and sausages before adding them to the stew.

Serving Suggestions

Sopión is traditionally served with a side of white rice and avocado slices. You can also enjoy it with a side of fried plantains or a simple green salad.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to mash the beans over heat to help thicken the stew and create a creamy consistency.

- Let the stew boil at medium heat to allow the flavors to meld together and develop.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find spicy pork sausages, you can use chorizo or any other type of sausage you prefer.

- You can substitute the sweet potatoes with yams or butternut squash for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Sopión can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Sopión in a large bowl and garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. You can also drizzle some hot sauce or vinegar on top for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Sopión pairs well with a cold beer or a glass of red wine. You can also enjoy it with a glass of tropical fruit juice for a refreshing drink option.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Approximately 550 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Red kidney beans: 45g

- Sweet potatoes: 26g

- Plantains: 31g

- Sugar: 4g

- Total Carbohydrates per serving: 106g

Fats

- Pork chops: 15g

- Spicy pork sausages: 25g

- Oil: 14g

- Total Fats per serving: 54g

Proteins

- Pork chops: 25g

- Spicy pork sausages: 20g

- Total Proteins per serving: 45g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 102%

- Vitamin C: 45%

- Iron: 28%

- Calcium: 10%

Alergens

Contains pork

Summary

Sopión is a nutrient-rich dish that is high in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a well-rounded meal option.

Summary

Sopión is a delicious and hearty Dominican stew that is perfect for a comforting meal. With a combination of red kidney beans, pork chops, sausages, sweet potatoes, and plantains, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for a flavorful and filling meal. Enjoy it with a side of white rice and avocado slices for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Sopión. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Mexico. My grandmother, who was known for her incredible cooking skills, had been preparing this dish for as long as I could remember. I had always watched her in awe as she chopped, stirred, and simmered her way to creating the most delicious meals.

One day, as I sat at the kitchen table watching her work her magic, I finally mustered up the courage to ask her for the recipe for Sopión. She looked at me with a twinkle in her eye and a smile on her face, knowing that I was ready to learn the secrets of her culinary prowess.

She began by telling me that Sopión was a traditional Mexican soup that was typically made with a rich broth, tender pieces of chicken, fresh vegetables, and hearty chunks of avocado. She explained that the key to a good Sopión was to let the flavors simmer together slowly, allowing the ingredients to meld and create a dish that was both comforting and nourishing.

As she walked me through the process of making Sopión, I listened intently, taking mental notes of each step and ingredient. I watched as she expertly chopped the onions, garlic, and tomatoes, adding them to the pot along with the chicken and broth. The kitchen filled with the warm, inviting aroma of the simmering soup, and I could hardly wait to taste the finished product.

After patiently waiting for the soup to cook, my grandmother ladled out a steaming bowl of Sopión and handed it to me with a smile. I took my first spoonful and was immediately transported to a world of flavor and comfort. The broth was rich and flavorful, the chicken was tender and juicy, and the vegetables added a fresh crunch to each bite. I savored every spoonful, feeling grateful to have learned the recipe from my grandmother.

Over the years, I continued to make Sopión for my own family, passing down the tradition that had been handed down to me from my grandmother. I added my own twist to the recipe, incorporating different herbs and spices to make it my own. Each time I made Sopión, I felt a connection to my roots and to the generations of women who had come before me, sharing their love and nourishment through food.

As I grew older, I realized that the recipe for Sopión was more than just a list of ingredients and instructions – it was a piece of my family's history, a way to honor the traditions and memories that had been passed down through the generations. I cherished the moments spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, learning from her and sharing in the joy of creating something delicious together.

Today, as I prepare Sopión for my own grandchildren, I think back to that day when I first asked my grandmother for the recipe. I am grateful for the knowledge and love that she passed down to me, and I hope that one day, my grandchildren will carry on the tradition of making Sopión with their own families. As I sit at the kitchen table, watching them chop, stir, and simmer their way to creating a delicious soup, I know that the recipe for Sopión will continue to bring us together, connecting us to our past and nourishing us in the present.