Ajiaco Cubano is a traditional Cuban stew known for its rich and comforting flavors. This hearty dish combines a variety of meats, root vegetables, and spices to create a warm and satisfying meal. Perfect for cooler days, Ajiaco Cubano showcases a blend of textures and tastes, from tender meats and earthy root vegetables to sweet corn and plantains. Often enjoyed with rice or bread, and garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, this stew is a staple in Cuban cuisine and a favorite for family gatherings and special occasions.
Ajiaco Cubano has its roots in the indigenous Taíno language, where "ajiaco" refers to a type of pepper used in traditional Caribbean cooking. This stew reflects the diverse culinary influences in Cuba, blending native ingredients with African and Spanish flavors. The dish has evolved over time, with regional variations across Cuba, but remains a beloved comfort food. It embodies the essence of Cuban cooking—simple yet flavorful, and deeply rooted in the island's rich cultural history.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound beef chuck, cubed
- 1 pound bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 pound pork shoulder, cubed
- 2 ears of corn, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 plantains, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup pumpkin, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup taro root, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups water
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, add the beef, chicken, and pork. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
2. Remove the meats from the pot and set aside. Reserve the cooking liquid.
3. In the same pot, add the corn, bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the potatoes, sweet potatoes, plantains, pumpkin, and taro root to the pot. Pour in the water and chicken broth.
5. Add the cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
7. Add the reserved meats back to the pot. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the meats are heated through.
8. Serve the Ajiaco Cubano hot, garnished with cilantro and lime wedges.
Notes:
- Ajiaco Cubano can be served with rice or bread on the side, if desired.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated for an easy meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Value:
1. 1 pound beef chuck, cubed
- Calories: 800
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 80 g
- Fat: 56 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Cholesterol: 240 mg
- Vitamins: B vitamins (B12, B6)
- Minerals: Iron, zinc, phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides high-quality protein and essential minerals like iron and zinc, which are important for muscle health and immune function.
2. 1 pound bone-in chicken thighs
- Calories: 600
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 60 g
- Fat: 40 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Cholesterol: 250 mg
- Vitamins: B vitamins (B6, B12)
- Minerals: Iron, phosphorus, selenium
- Nutritional Benefit: Good source of lean protein and essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals that support energy metabolism and bone health.
3. 1 pound pork shoulder, cubed
- Calories: 700
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 70 g
- Fat: 50 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Cholesterol: 240 mg
- Vitamins: B vitamins (B12, B6)
- Minerals: Iron, zinc, potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: High in protein and essential minerals, pork shoulder helps in muscle building and supports overall health.
4. 2 ears of corn, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Calories: 200
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 2 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, B vitamins (B1, B5)
- Minerals: Magnesium, phosphorus, potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support digestive health and energy production.
5. 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- Calories: 30
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6
- Minerals: Potassium, folate
- Nutritional Benefit: Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which help boost the immune system and support skin health.
6. 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- Calories: 40
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6
- Minerals: Potassium, folate
- Nutritional Benefit: High in vitamins A and C, red bell peppers are beneficial for eye health and immune function.
7. 1 onion, chopped
- Calories: 45
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, B vitamins (B6, B9)
- Minerals: Potassium, calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Contains antioxidants and sulfur compounds that support cardiovascular health and immune function.
8. 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Calories: 20
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, B vitamins (B6)
- Minerals: Manganese, calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Garlic has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties that contribute to overall health.
9. 4 Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- Calories: 400
- Carbohydrates: 90 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, B vitamins (B6)
- Minerals: Potassium, magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: A good source of complex carbohydrates and potassium, which are important for energy and heart health.
10. 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- Calories: 200
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, B vitamins (B6)
- Minerals: Potassium, manganese
- Nutritional Benefit: Rich in beta-carotene and fiber, sweet potatoes support vision health and digestion.
11. 2 plantains, peeled and sliced
- Calories: 200
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, Vitamin A
- Minerals: Potassium, magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Plantains are high in complex carbohydrates and potassium, which support energy levels and heart health.
12. 1 cup pumpkin, peeled and cubed
- Calories: 50
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin A, Vitamin C
- Minerals: Potassium, iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Pumpkin is rich in vitamins A and C, which support immune function and eye health.
13. 1 cup taro root, peeled and cubed
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, B vitamins (B6)
- Minerals: Potassium, manganese
- Nutritional Benefit: Taro root provides fiber and potassium, which aid in digestion and maintain heart health.
14. 2 cups water
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Water is essential for hydration and overall bodily functions.
15. 4 cups chicken broth
- Calories: 80
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Fat: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
- Vitamins: Varies by brand
- Minerals: Varies by brand
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor and additional nutrients to the stew, though sodium content can be high.
16. 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Calories: 8
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C
- Minerals: Iron, calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides a distinctive flavor and adds iron, supporting red blood cell production.
17. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Calories: 6
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin K
- Minerals: Calcium, iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor and has antioxidant properties that can support immune health.
18. 1 teaspoon paprika
- Calories: 6
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin A
- Minerals: Iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Contributes to flavor and provides antioxidants, supporting overall health.
19. Salt and pepper, to taste
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Calories: 0, Carbohydrates: 0 g, Protein: 0 g, Fat: 0 g, Sodium: 2,300 mg (per teaspoon)
- Pepper (1 teaspoon): Calories: 6, Carbohydrates: 1 g, Protein: 0 g, Fat: 0 g, Sodium: 1 mg
- Nutritional Benefit: Salt enhances flavor but should be used in moderation. Pepper adds a bit of heat and minor nutrients.
20. 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Calories: 20
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C
- Minerals: Calcium, potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.
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