Mexican Mole Chicken

Mexican Mole Chicken

Mexican Mole Chicken

Mexican Mole Chicken

SpiceBreeze
The dark mole sauce is made with several chili peppers, nuts, and chocolate. It is such a fabulous combination. Think of a chocolate bar with nuts and chili flavor. Preparing the mole sauce is usually labor-intensive and time-consuming.
This recipe is a delicious shortcut with three important ingredients: ancho chili, pasilla chili, and raw cacao. Unlike the common roasted cocoa, cacao is pure chocolate and higher in minerals.
 
hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 1.25 lbs chicken thighs or breast cut into bite size pieces

Fresh Produce

  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2-4 cloves garlic finely chopped

Packaged Goods/Staples

  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp vinegar
  • 1/4 cup almond*** butter raw, unsalted
  • 4 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp sugar brown recommended
  • salt & pepper

Mole Culinary Spice Kit

  • Pouch [1] Cacao, oregano, cinnamon
  • Pouch [2] Ancho chili, pasilla chili

Suggested Side: Rice with Vegetables

  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup peas and diced carrots frozen**
  • 3 cups cooked rice

Optional

  • 1 cup sesame seeds
  • sour cream
  • tortillas for variation

Instructions
 

Chicken*

  • Season chicken with salt & pepper to taste.

Mole

  • In a POT, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium-low heat.
  • Cook onions until they turn slightly brown. Stir occasionally.
  • Add garlic. Stir-fry for 30 seconds.
  • Add chicken. Stir-fry for 2 minutes.
  • Add broth, vinegar, nut butter, tomato paste, sugar, and Mole [1] spices. Mix well.
  • Cover. Bring to a boil.
  • Cook 10 minutes over low heat.
  • Add Mole [2] spices to taste. Mix well.
  • Cook 30 minutes over low heat.
  • Stir occasionally.

Suggested Side: Rice with Vegetables

  • In a SMALL POT, cook peas & carrots in 2 tbsp butter 5 minutes** over low heat.
  • Add salt to taste. Add the cooked rice. Mix well.

Serve

  • Serve mole chicken with rice.
  • Optionally, sprinkle with sesame seeds and drizzle with sour cream. Enjoy!

Variation

  • Alternatively, serve mole sauce as enmoladas ****.

Notes

Notes/ Variations
* Substitute chicken with any ground meat or with  2 cans beans with our online recipe.
** If you prefer fresh vegetables, cook them longer with a little added water.
*** Substitute with hazelnut or cashew butter.
**** Alternative: Reheat tortillas. Fill them with the chicken. Roll them up. Pour mole sauce on top.
 
Marceline Reid-Jaques
Marceline Reid-Jaques
2022-12-14
Karen Jones
Karen Jones
2022-12-05
Wonderful, flavorful meals using readily available ingredients!
ann davis
ann davis
2022-11-29
My daughter gave me a subscription as a Christmas present while our families were quarantining together. It was so much fun! It introduced us to several cuisines that were totally new to us. The recipes were easy to follow and the spices were transformative - fresh and pungent and delicious.
Jessica Brown
Jessica Brown
2022-05-22
The best way to try new dishes!

Enter the Culinary World

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Mexican Chiles en Nogada

Mexican Chiles en Nogada

Mexican
Chiles en Nogada

Stuffed Peppers in Nut Cream Sauce

Chiles en nogada, a beloved Mexican masterpiece, boasts a symphony of flavors within its two distinct elements.

  1. Peppers stuffed with Mexican picadillo
  2. Creamy nogada nut sauce.
Chiles en Nogada Spice Blend
Cinnamon, nutmeg, oregano, black pepper, cloves, thyme, chili
Mexican Chiles en Nogada with fork

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Part 1: Peppers Stuffed with Picadillo

The core of this dish lies in the delectable and easily prepared stuffed peppers. You can opt for traditional poblano peppers, or for added convenience, use green bell peppers as your canvas. These peppers are swiftly filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, gently simmered in a rich blend of tomato puree and fragrant broth. To elevate it to the level of a Mexican picadillo, introduce a delightful combination of stone fruits, with the option to include plantains for a touch of sweetness, and add another layer of complexity by incorporating golden raisins and a different dried fruit, such as succulent pineapple or fragrant apricot.

poblano peppers with hand
ground beef
tomato puree in cup
broth in cup
apple pear peach

Apple, pear, and peach, one each is recommended, but just apples are fine too.

Ripe Plantain

Plantain is optional, if you want to make it as authentic as possible.

golden raisins

Raisin is an important part, but you are free to skip them, or substitute with other dried fruits.

diced dried pineapple

It’s best if this second dried fruit is a bit sour, for instance, lemon or pineapple.

Part 2: Nogada - Creamy Nut Sauce

The second element of this culinary masterpiece is the luscious nogada sauce. Walnuts, simply blended with cream cheese and milk, create a velvety symphony of texture and flavor that is generously drizzled over the deliciously stuffed peppers. To add a regal touch, we recommend the traditional garnish of vibrant pomegranate seeds and finely chopped parsley, bringing a burst of color and freshness to this exquisite creation.

walnuts in hand
cream cheese in cup
milk poured in glas
blender
pour nogada over peppers
pomegranate in hand
chopping parsley
Mexican Chiles en Nogada served
Mexican Chiles en Nogada

Mexican Chiles en Nogada

SpiceBreeze
The dish's colors - green peppers and parsley, white nogada sauce, and red pomegranate seeds - echo the Mexican flag, making it not just a feast for the palate, but also a visual delight. This exquisite fusion of sweet and savory, history and tradition, makes Chiles en Nogada a cherished symbol of Mexican gastronomy, particularly enjoyed during the country's patriotic festivities.
hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Peppers & Assemble & Serve

  • 3 large green bell peppers [1]
  • oil
  • salt & pepper
  • 1-2 cups pomegranate seeds (optional) *
  • 1 cup chopped parsley (optional) *
  • 3 cups cooked rice or quinoa (as a side)

Nogada

  • 4.5 oz walnuts [2] soak for 15 minutes
  • 1/2 cup (goat) cream cheese [3]
  • 1/2-1 cup (any) milk [4]

Picadillo

  • 1 lb ground meat [5]
  • 3 apples [6] cored and diced
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 1-2 cups (any) broth
  • 3 oz raisins [7]

Chiles en Nogada Culinary Spice Kit

  • 1 pouch cinnamon, nutmeg, oregano, black pepper, cloves, thyme, chili

Instructions
 

Peppers

  • On a lined BAKING SHEET, bake peppers at 450°F 10-15 minutes, turning every 5 minutes until the peel loosens on all sides.
  • Let them cool. Peel them.
  • Cut them lengthwise into halves. Remove stem & seeds.

Nogada

  • In a BLENDER, blend nuts, cheese, and 1/2 cup of milk.
  • Add a little milk until the sauce is pourable but not running.

Picadillo

  • In a large PAN, heat 2 tbsp oil over medium heat.
  • Stir-fry meat until browned.
  • Add Chiles en Nogada spices, tomato puree, 1 cup broth, and fresh fruits. Mix well.
  • Cover. Cook over medium-low heat until apples are almost tender.
  • Add raisins. Season with salt & pepper to taste.
  • Continue to cook 20 minutes. Check every 5 minutes. Add broth if necessary.

Assemble & Serve

  • Place the pepper halves on PLATES and fill with picadillo.
  • Pour nogada sauce on top.
  • Optionally, sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and parsley.
  • Serve with a side of rice or quinoa.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

[1] For an authentic version, substitute with 6 poblano peppers.
[2] For an authentic version, peel walnuts after they soaked, and place the peeled nuts into a cup of milk until you are ready to use them.
Alternative: cashews, almonds, or hazelnuts.
[3] For an authentic version, use goat cream cheese.
[4] They are many variations to substitute cream cheese and milk, for instance, with Mexican cream, or with the addition of a bit sour cream. Optionally, add 1/4 cup of dry sherry or white wine.
[5] beef & pork or any other, or 1/2 lb shredded cooked meat
Vegetarian alternative: 1 can black beans
[6] For an authentic version, use 1 apple, 1 pear, 1 peach, and 1/2 ripe plantain.
[7] Recommended to substitute half of the raisins with pineapple bits, lemon bits, or chopped apricot
 
* Recommended for an authentic version.
 
 
Marceline Reid-Jaques
Marceline Reid-Jaques
2022-12-14
Karen Jones
Karen Jones
2022-12-05
Wonderful, flavorful meals using readily available ingredients!
ann davis
ann davis
2022-11-29
My daughter gave me a subscription as a Christmas present while our families were quarantining together. It was so much fun! It introduced us to several cuisines that were totally new to us. The recipes were easy to follow and the spices were transformative - fresh and pungent and delicious.
Jessica Brown
Jessica Brown
2022-05-22
The best way to try new dishes!

Enter the Culinary World

Be Inspired | Explore your boundaries and creativity

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Mexican Chiles en Nogada

Mexican Chiles en Nogada

SpiceBreeze
The dish's colors - green peppers and parsley, white nogada sauce, and red pomegranate seeds - echo the Mexican flag, making it not just a feast for the palate, but also a visual delight. This exquisite fusion of sweet and savory, history and tradition, makes Chiles en Nogada a cherished symbol of Mexican gastronomy, particularly enjoyed during the country's patriotic festivities.
hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Peppers & Assemble & Serve

  • 3 large green bell peppers [1]
  • oil
  • salt & pepper
  • 1-2 cups pomegranate seeds (optional) *
  • 1 cup chopped parsley (optional) *
  • 3 cups cooked rice or quinoa (as a side)

Nogada

  • 4.5 oz walnuts [2] soak for 15 minutes
  • 1/2 cup (goat) cream cheese [3]
  • 1/2-1 cup (any) milk [4]

Picadillo

  • 1 lb ground meat [5]
  • 3 apples [6] cored and diced
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 1-2 cups (any) broth
  • 3 oz raisins [7]

Chiles en Nogada Culinary Spice Kit

  • 1 pouch cinnamon, nutmeg, oregano, black pepper, cloves, thyme, chili

Instructions
 

Peppers

  • On a lined BAKING SHEET, bake peppers at 450°F 10-15 minutes, turning every 5 minutes until the peel loosens on all sides.
  • Let them cool. Peel them.
  • Cut them lengthwise into halves. Remove stem & seeds.

Nogada

  • In a BLENDER, blend nuts, cheese, and 1/2 cup of milk.
  • Add a little milk until the sauce is pourable but not running.

Picadillo

  • In a large PAN, heat 2 tbsp oil over medium heat.
  • Stir-fry meat until browned.
  • Add Chiles en Nogada spices, tomato puree, 1 cup broth, and fresh fruits. Mix well.
  • Cover. Cook over medium-low heat until apples are almost tender.
  • Add raisins. Season with salt & pepper to taste.
  • Continue to cook 20 minutes. Check every 5 minutes. Add broth if necessary.

Assemble & Serve

  • Place the pepper halves on PLATES and fill with picadillo.
  • Pour nogada sauce on top.
  • Optionally, sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and parsley.
  • Serve with a side of rice or quinoa.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

[1] For an authentic version, substitute with 6 poblano peppers.
[2] For an authentic version, peel walnuts after they soaked, and place the peeled nuts into a cup of milk until you are ready to use them.
Alternative: cashews, almonds, or hazelnuts.
[3] For an authentic version, use goat cream cheese.
[4] They are many variations to substitute cream cheese and milk, for instance, with Mexican cream, or with the addition of a bit sour cream. Optionally, add 1/4 cup of dry sherry or white wine.
[5] beef & pork or any other, or 1/2 lb shredded cooked meat
Vegetarian alternative: 1 can black beans
[6] For an authentic version, use 1 apple, 1 pear, 1 peach, and 1/2 ripe plantain.
[7] Recommended to substitute half of the raisins with pineapple bits, lemon bits, or chopped apricot
 
* Recommended for an authentic version.
 
 
Marceline Reid-Jaques
Marceline Reid-Jaques
2022-12-14
Karen Jones
Karen Jones
2022-12-05
Wonderful, flavorful meals using readily available ingredients!
ann davis
ann davis
2022-11-29
My daughter gave me a subscription as a Christmas present while our families were quarantining together. It was so much fun! It introduced us to several cuisines that were totally new to us. The recipes were easy to follow and the spices were transformative - fresh and pungent and delicious.
Jessica Brown
Jessica Brown
2022-05-22
The best way to try new dishes!

Enter the Culinary World

Be Inspired | Explore your boundaries and creativity

Brazilian Coxinha

Brazilian Coxinha

Coxinha

Little Thighs

Coxinha (“little thigh”) is one of the most famous savory snacks in Brazil and indispensable to any party. Each bar and each family has its own recipe. 

Brazilian Sauce

These fried crisp ‘drumsticks’ filled with a well-seasoned sauce are so scrumptious – you can’t just have one.

The filling makes also a good base for a creamy sauce over noodles, potatoes, or rice.

Variations
  • Substitute chicken with any ground meat or with mixed vegetables and chopped mushrooms or with your favorite cheese or combine any of these ingredients to taste.
  • Add a cream cheese dip.
  • Short version without forming the drumstick-balls: Skip the dough and add 1 cup heavy cream to the filling. Serve the sauce over rice, noodles, or potatoes.
The Coxinha Culinary Spice Kit includes the following spices:

Marjoram, oregano, white & black pepper, nutmeg, basil, chili, parsley, and bay leaves

Coxinha
Coxinha

Brazilian Coxinha

SpiceBreeze
Coxinha ("little thigh") is one of the most famous savory snacks in Brazil and is indispensable to any party. Each bar and each family has its own recipe. The fried crisp 'drumsticks' filled with a well-seasoned sauce are so scrumptious - you can't just have one.
Of course, we offer an easier version without the breading and frying as well (see notes).
Tip: Fill any leftover dough with a cube of cheese and/ or ham, and optionally hot chili slices.
 
Hands-on Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Brazilian
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken cooked and shredded

Fresh Produce

  • 1 large tomato finely chopped
  • 2 green onions finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 1 onion finely chopped

Dairy

  • 1/2 cup cream cheese optional

Packaged Goods/Staples

  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • oil
  • salt & pepper

Dough*

  • 2.5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups rice flour
  • 3 oz butter

Breading*

  • 1 egg whisked
  • 1-2 cups flour gluten free: almond flour

White dipping sauce (optionally)

  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 8 oz cream cheese

Coxinha Culinary Spice Kit

  • Marjoram, oregano, white & black pepper, nutmeg, basil, chili, parsley, and bay leaves

Instructions
 

Filling

  • In a PAN, heat 2 tbsp oil over low heat.
  • Fry garlic and onions until the onions turn translucent.
  • Add chicken, tomatoes, green onions, and salt to taste.
  • Season with the Coxinha spices to taste. Start with 1 tsp.
  • Cook 10 min. Add broth and opt. cream cheese.
  • Cook about 10-20 minutes until the liquid is reduced.

Dough*

  • In a POT, heat broth and melt butter.
  • Over low heat, add flour and salt & pepper to taste.
  • Stir constantly until smooth and the dough loosens from the pot. Let it cool.

Coxinha

  • Form a “golf” ball with the dough.
  • Flatten it in your palm.
  • Place the filling in the center, close, and form a smooth ball.
  • Optionally, mold it into a drumstick or any other shape.

Breading*

  • Coat Coxinhas in egg, then in flour.

Frying*

  • In a POT, heat enough oil to cover Coxinhas.
  • Fry Coxinhas until they turn golden all around.

White dipping sauce (optionally)

  • Heat milk with salt & pepper. Stir in the cream cheese.

Serve

  • Serve Coxinhas with a fresh salad and a dipping sauce.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

Variations
  • Substitute chicken with:
    • any ground meat or
    • mixed vegetables and chopped mushrooms or
    • your favorite cheese or
    • a combination of any of these ingredients to taste.
Short version without forming the drumstick-balls:
  • Skip the dough, breading, and frying.
  • Add 1 cup heavy cream to the filling. Serve the sauce over rice, noodles, or potatoes.
Yucatán Pollo Pibil

Yucatán Pollo Pibil (fast-fried)

Yucatán Pollo Pibil

Yucatán Pollo Pibil (fast-fried)

SpiceBreeze
Pibil was a method to prevent meat from spoiling. It dates back to the time of the Maya civilization in Yucatán. The mild yet earthy, slightly bitter achiote, aka annatto, matches perfectly with the sour orange-vinegar-juice in the seasoning called ‘recardo rojo’. If you have the time, we recommend the authentic slow-cooked version and the addition of salsa bandera.
Hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast thinly sliced
  • 2 large tomatoes halved, sliced
  • 12 tortillas corn recommended
  • 2 large red onions halved, finely sliced
  • 8 cloves garlic grated
  • 0.5 cup orange juice
  • 2 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1 lemon optionally, cut into wedges
  • oil
  • salt

Pollo Pibil Culinary Spice Kit

  • [1] Annatto cumin, allspice, oregano, turmeric, cloves
  • [2] Smoked paprika

Optional for Appetizer Dip ’Ha Sikil Pak’

  • 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds white if possible
  • 1 large tomato roughly cut
  • 1 tbsp onion chopped
  • 2 tbsp cilantro finely chopped
  • 8 oz tortilla chips or jicama sticks

Instructions
 

Marinade

  • In a BOWL, mix chicken, 1 tbsp vinegar, orange juice, Pibil [1] spices, garlic, and salt to taste.
  • Cover and keep in the fridge for 2-24 hours.

Pickled Onions

  • In a CUP, mix 1/2 cup of water, 1 tbsp vinegar, half of the onions, and a dash of salt.
  • Cover and keep in the fridge for 2-24 hours.

Cook

  • In a PAN, heat 2 tbsp oil over high heat.
  • Add chicken without the marinade.
  • Fry the chicken until all pieces turn brown.
  • Take it out and set aside.
  • In the same PAN, add the marinade, tomatoes, the remaining onions, and salt to taste.
  • Mix well. Cover. Cook over low heat for 10 minutes.
  • Return the meat to reheat.

Optional Appetizer Dip ’Ha Sikil Pak’

  • In a BLENDER, grind pumpkin seeds, then blend with 1/4 cup of water, onions, tomato, and Pibil [2] spices.
  • Transfer to a BOWL.
  • Mix in cilantro and salt to taste.

Serve

  • Serve appetizer with tortilla chips or jicama, then chicken with tortillas, pickled onions, and optionally, salsa bandera and lemon juice.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

  • Substitute chicken with pork tenderloin, beef sirloin, sliced squash, or beans (pinto or black).
  • Add fresh Habanero chili to the pickled onions.
  • Find the recipes for the authentic slow-cooked version and salsa bandera here.
Marceline Reid-Jaques
Marceline Reid-Jaques
2022-12-14
Karen Jones
Karen Jones
2022-12-05
Wonderful, flavorful meals using readily available ingredients!
ann davis
ann davis
2022-11-29
My daughter gave me a subscription as a Christmas present while our families were quarantining together. It was so much fun! It introduced us to several cuisines that were totally new to us. The recipes were easy to follow and the spices were transformative - fresh and pungent and delicious.
Jessica Brown
Jessica Brown
2022-05-22
The best way to try new dishes!

Enter the Culinary World

Be Inspired | Explore your boundaries and creativity

Venezuelan Pabellón Criollo

Venezuelan Pabellón Criollo

Venezuelan
Pabellón Criollo

National Dish for any Occasion

There is literally no family or community event without Pabellón Criollo. The juicy meat is really easy to prepare, just takes a bit of patience.

You can get creative with the combinations of sides and toppings. If you can find plantain, don’t miss to add a side of this fried sweet goodness.

Pabellón Criollo Spice Blend
Annatto, cumin, lime and orange peel, paprika, oregano
Venezuelan Pabellón Criollo

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Short Recipes & Tips for Sides & Sauces

Guasacaca

 Ingredients

  • 1 avocado
  • 1/2 green bell pepper
  • 1 medium onion
  • 1 bunch cilantro
  • 1 bunch parsley
  • 3 cloves garlic or more to taste
Venezuelan Guasacaca

 Directions

  • Roughly cut all Guasacaca ingredients.
  • Blend them in a FOOD PROCESSOR with 1 tbsp oil and 2-4 tbsp water into a smooth sauce.
  • Alternatively, skip the bell pepper. Chop all other ingredients finely, and stir them together with 1 tbsp oil and a bit of water until it’s a smooth sauce
  • Season to taste with salt & pepper and 1 tbsp vinegar or more.

Arepas

For a most authentic Venezuelan dinner experience, arepas are a key side dish. These fried corn breads are very popular filled with potato or chicken salad, and just anything that you would put on a sandwich. 

Arepas are made from a special type of corn flour. The most popular brand is P.A.N. If you found the right one, it will have the instructions on the back. You mix the corn flour with water and a dash of salt. Then, form the arepas in the size of a burger patty. 

Arepas are fried or grilled and then filled with the complete dish or added as a type of bread on the plate.

 

Venezuelan Arepas on grill

Tip: Make sure that the patties are smooth on the outside. If they are dry a crack, add a bit more water to the flour.

Fried Plantains

Ripe Plantain

It’s important to select a ripe plantain at the grocery store. Otherwise, it is hard to peel and you have to cut off most of the fruit. Here are some tips:

  • See: The darker the skin, the riper the plantain. It’s normal for a ripe plantain to have some black spots.

  • Feel: Press your finger into the skin. It should feel soft without much resistance.

  • Smell: A ripe plantain should have a sweet, fruity aroma, not sour or musty.

Cut the plantain into large slices. Fry them in hot oil. Drain them on a paper towel. Finally, sprinkle them with salt to taste.

Venezuelan Pabellón Criollo

Venezuelan Pabellón Criollo

SpiceBreeze
Pabellón Criollo is considered to be the national dish of Venezuela with a long history and cultural significance. It's indispensable at family and community festivities. The juicy meat is first slow cooked, shredded, and then added to fried onions, garlic, and bell pepper. Pabellón Criollo is a hearty and flavorful dish that is traditionally served with a side of rice, black beans, fried sweet plantains, and a variety of optional accompaniments.
hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Venezuelan
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 1.5 lbs beef flank or skirt steak *

Fresh Produce

  • 2 onions 1 quartered, 1 finely chopped
  • 2-3 cloves garlic grated or pressed
  • 1 red bell pepper finely chopped

Packaged Goods/Staples

  • 1/2 cup tomato puree unseasoned **
  • oil
  • salt & pepper

Pabellón Criollo Culinary Spice Kit

  • Annatto, cumin, lime and orange peel, paprika, oregano

Suggested Sides & Toppings

  • black beans see recipe link in notes
  • white rice see recipe link in notes
  • fried plantains see recipe link in notes
  • sunny side up eggs
  • avocado slices
  • any mild crumbled or shredded cheese
  • chopped cilantro

Instructions
 

Cook the meat

  • In a POT, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil.
  • Add meat, 1 onion (quartered), and salt & pepper to taste.
  • Return to a boil. Cook over medium-low heat until the meat is tender.
  • Take the meat out and let it cool. Reserve the broth.
  • Pull the meat apart with a fork or by hand.

Fry & Finish the dish

  • In a large PAN, heat 2 tbsp oil.
  • Fry 1 onion (finely chopped) until translucent.
  • Add garlic and bell pepper.
  • Fry for about 5 minutes.
  • Add Pabellón Criollo spices. Mix well.
  • Add salt to taste.
  • Add tomato puree and 2 cups of the reserved broth.
  • Mix well. Add pulled meat. Mix well.
  • Add salt to taste.
  • Cover and cook over low heat for 15 minutes.
  • Occasionally, check the liquid and add broth if necessary.

Serve

  • Serve with rice, beans, and fried plantains, or your preferred sides and toppings.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

* Substitute beef with pork butt or shoulder or with chicken breasts or thighs.
** Tomato puree can be substituted with 1-2 finely chopped tomatoes and 1-2 tsp tomato paste.
*** Recipes for side dishes & sauces
Caribbean rice and beans
Fried plantains (see above this recipe)
Caribbean green seasoning
Guasacaca sauce (see above this recipe)
Arepas (see above this recipe)
Ecuadorian Fanesca Soup

Ecuadorian Fanesca

Ecuadorian Fanesca Soup

Ecuadorian Fanesca

SpiceBreeze
Fanesca is a distinctly Ecuadorian dish that is not eaten in any other country. The concept of beans cooked in herbs and spices can be traced back to the Incan Empire, and is popular during indigenous New Year. Fanesca is traditionally consumed on Good Friday, served with fried plantains, pickled onions, cheese, and hard-boiled eggs. Although, salted cod is a typical ingredient, we adapted the stew for fresh cod or chicken.
hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Ecuadorian
Servings 3 servings

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 4 oz cod* or chicken breast optional
  • 1 cup great northern beans**

Fresh Produce

  • 1 small zucchini about 4 oz
  • 4 oz pumpkin/squash
  • 2 oz green cabbage
  • 1 cup corn kernels cooked
  • 1 cup green peas cooked
  • 1 plantain sliced (optional)

Staples Group 1: Liquid, Dairy, Fat

  • 1 cup broth vegetable or chicken
  • 1 cup milk any type
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp peanut butter****
  • 2 oz heavy cream/cream cheese/feta***

Staples Group 3: Breading, Onion & Co

  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 1 bunch cilantro or parsley finely chopped

Culinary Spice Kit

  • 1 pouch Fanesca spice blend Annatto, garlic, cumin, oregano, basil

Optional Toppings

  • 1 large avocado sliced
  • 1 medium onion sliced and pickled in lime juice*****
  • 3 hard-boiled eggs sliced

Instructions
 

Puree

  • In a small POT, add zucchini, pumpkin, cabbage, broth, and salt to taste.
  • Cook over medium heat until soft. Let it cool.
  • Blend it into a smooth puree.

Soup

  • In a medium POT, add butter, chopped onions, and Fanesca spices.
  • Fry over low-med. heat 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add puree, milk, peanut butter, corn, peas, beans, and salt & pepper to taste.
  • Cook over low-medium heat 30 minutes. Stir frequently.

Optional Soup Ingredients

  • Cut cod or chicken into 1-inch pieces. Season with salt & pepper to taste.
  • Add all or 1/3 of it to the soup. Cook until tender.
  • Add heavy cream, cream cheese, queso fresco, or feta to taste. Mix well.

Optional Toppings

  • In a PAN, heat oil or butter and fry until tender and brown:
  • (a) any remaining cod or chicken;
  • (b) plantain slices, sprinkle with salt to taste.

Serve

  • Top fanesca with plantain, avocado, herbs, eggs, pickled onions, pumpkin seeds, and fried cod or chicken.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

* This recipe is for fresh cod. For most authenticity, we recommend salted cod. The latter needs to be drained in water overnight to remove the salt.
** Use any type of beans or lentils that you prefer, one type or several types mixed.
*** Authentic is queso fresco.
**** Any other nut butter is fine too.
***** In a small CONTAINER, cover onion slices with lime or lemon juice. Close. Let it rest in the fridge for 24-48 hours.
Marceline Reid-Jaques
Marceline Reid-Jaques
2022-12-14
Karen Jones
Karen Jones
2022-12-05
Wonderful, flavorful meals using readily available ingredients!
ann davis
ann davis
2022-11-29
My daughter gave me a subscription as a Christmas present while our families were quarantining together. It was so much fun! It introduced us to several cuisines that were totally new to us. The recipes were easy to follow and the spices were transformative - fresh and pungent and delicious.
Jessica Brown
Jessica Brown
2022-05-22
The best way to try new dishes!

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