Discover the savory delight of Chicharo, a hearty dish crafted from split peas, traditionally simmered with tender pork and a medley of vibrant vegetables. Our recipe promises a flavorsome blend of textures and aromas, perfect for satisfying cravings and impressing guests. Learn how to create this mouthwatering culinary masterpiece at home with our step-by-step guide.

Ingredients:

  - 1 cup dried split peas

  - 1/2 pound pork (such as pork shoulder), diced

  - 1 onion, chopped

  - 2 cloves garlic, minced

  - 2 carrots, diced

  - 2 potatoes, diced

  - 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth  -

  - Salt and pepper to taste

  - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

  - Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1-Rinse the split peas under cold water and drain them.

2-In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced pork and cook until browned on all sides.

3-Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

4-Add the split peas, diced carrots, and potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine everything.

5-Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring that the ingredients are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil.

6-Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the Chicharo simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the split peas and vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

7-Season the Chicharo with salt and pepper to taste.

8-Once the Chicharo is cooked and the flavors have melded together, remove it from the heat.

9-Serve the Chicharo hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Chicharo! Adjust the seasonings and ingredients according to your taste preferences.

Nutritional Values :

Dried Split Peas (1 cup, about 200g):

  - Calories: 230

  - Protein: 16g

  - Carbohydrates: 40g

  - Fiber: 16g

  - Fat: 1g

benefits:

  - Rich source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and aiding in weight management.

  - High in protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.

  - Contains vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and folate, supporting overall health and energy production.

Pork (1/2 pound, about 226g):

  - Calories: 590

  - Protein: 47g

  - Fat: 42g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

  - Excellent source of protein, vital for muscle growth, repair, and overall cellular function.

  - Provides essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins (especially B12), zinc, and selenium, important for immune function, metabolism, and antioxidant defense.

  - Contains healthy fats, including monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and brain function.

Onion (1 medium onion, about 150g):

  - Calories: 45

  - Protein: 1g

  - Carbohydrates: 11g

  - Fiber: 2g

  - Fat: 0g

benefits:

  - Rich in antioxidants, such as quercetin and sulfur compounds, which help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.

  - Contains prebiotic fibers that nourish beneficial gut bacteria, promoting digestive health and supporting immune function.

  - Provides vitamins C and B6, as well as folate, which are important for immune support, collagen formation, and neurotransmitter synthesis.

Garlic (2 cloves, about 6g):

  - Calories: 10

  - Protein: 0.5g

  - Carbohydrates: 2g

  - Fiber: 0.1g

  - Fat: 0g

benefits:

  - Well-known for its antimicrobial properties, helping to combat infections and support immune function.

  - Contains sulfur compounds with potential cardiovascular benefits, such as reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

  - Rich in antioxidants, including allicin, which may help reduce oxidative stress and lower the risk of chronic diseases.

Carrots (2 medium carrots, about 122g):

  - Calories: 50

  - Protein: 1g

  - Carbohydrates: 12g

  - Fiber: 4g

  - Fat: 0g

benefits:

  - Excellent source of beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, essential for vision health, immune function, and skin health.

  - High in antioxidants, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect against age-related macular degeneration and support overall eye health.

  - Provides dietary fiber, promoting digestive health, regulating blood sugar levels, and aiding in weight management.

Potatoes (2 medium potatoes, about 300g):

  - Calories: 260

  - Protein: 6g

  - Carbohydrates: 60g

  - Fiber: 8g

  - Fat: 0g

benefits:

  - Good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for physical activity and brain function.

  - Rich in potassium, important for regulating blood pressure, muscle contractions, and electrolyte balance.

  - Contains vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function, collagen synthesis, and iron absorption.

Chicken or Vegetable Broth (4 cups):

  - The nutritional content may vary based on the brand and type of broth used. Generally, it's low in calories and fat but may contain some protein and carbohydrates.

benefits:

  - Hydrating and low in calories, making it a suitable base for soups and stews.

  - Provides essential nutrients like protein, vitamins (such as B vitamins), and minerals (such as calcium and magnesium), depending on the ingredients used.

  - Helps maintain electrolyte balance and supports overall hydration.

Salt and Pepper:

  - Negligible caloric value.

benefits:

Salt

  - Electrolyte Balance: Salt helps maintain the body's electrolyte balance, which is essential for nerve function and muscle contraction.

  - Hydration: It plays a crucial role in maintaining hydration by regulating fluid balance in the body.

  - Blood Pressure Regulation: In small amounts, salt is necessary for maintaining blood pressure. However, excessive consumption can lead to high blood pressure.

Pepper (Black Pepper)

  - Rich in Antioxidants: Black pepper contains piperine, a compound with antioxidant properties that can help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body.

  - Digestive Health: Piperine stimulates the production of digestive enzymes, which can aid in digestion and nutrient absorption.

  - Anti-Inflammatory: Black pepper has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the body.

  - Enhances Nutrient Absorption: Piperine in black pepper enhances the absorption of nutrients like vitamins and minerals, particularly curcumin from turmeric.

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons):

  - Calories: 240

  - Fat: 28g

benefits:

  - Source of Healthy Fats: Vegetable oil is a good source of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which are considered heart-healthy fats.

  - Energy Supply: Fats from vegetable oil provide a concentrated source of energy, essential for daily activities.

  - Vitamin E: Many vegetable oils are rich in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and supports skin health.

  - Cooking Medium: Vegetable oil is commonly used for cooking and frying, providing a stable medium that can withstand high temperatures without breaking down into harmful compounds.

These values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, freshness, and cooking methods. Make sure to adjust quantities and ingredients based on your dietary needs and preferences.