RecipesCubaAjiaco de Cerdo y Malanga

Ajiaco de Cerdo y Malanga

A hearty and comforting Cuban stew featuring tender pork, malanga (taro root), and a medley of vegetables, simmered in a flavorful broth.

Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time2 hours
Servings6
DifficultyMedium
Ajiaco de Cerdo y Malanga - Cuba traditional dish

🧂 Ingredients

  • 750 g Pork shoulder(cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • 500 g Malanga (taro root)(peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • 2 ears Corn on the cob(cut into 2-inch pieces)
  • 250 g Sweet potato(peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • 1 green Plantain(peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • 1 large Onion(chopped)
  • 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
  • 1.5 liters Chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup Cilantro(chopped)
  • 1 tsp Cumin
  • 1 tsp Oregano
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black pepper
  • for serving Lime wedges

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the pork cubes over medium-high heat. Remove pork and set aside.

  2. 2

    Add chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic, cumin, and oregano, and cook for another minute until fragrant.

  3. 3

    Return the pork to the pot. Add chicken broth, malanga, corn, sweet potato, and green plantain. Bring to a boil.

  4. 4

    Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the pork is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Stir occasionally.

  5. 5

    Stir in chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  6. 6

    Serve hot, with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the stew.

💡 Pro Tips

  • Malanga can be substituted with yuca or potato if unavailable.
  • For a thicker stew, mash some of the cooked malanga against the side of the pot.
  • This stew is even better the next day as the flavors meld.

🔄 Variations

  • Add other root vegetables like ñame (yam).
  • Include a piece of smoked ham hock for added depth of flavor.

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