RecipesEcuadorCerdo en Salsa de Maní

Cerdo en Salsa de Maní

Tender pieces of pork simmered in a rich and creamy peanut sauce, a flavorful dish that highlights the use of peanuts in Ecuadorian cuisine.

Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 55 minutes
Servings4
DifficultyMedium
Cerdo en Salsa de Maní - Ecuador traditional dish

🧂 Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs Pork shoulder(cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • 3 tbsp Peanut butter(unsweetened)
  • 1 medium Onion(chopped)
  • 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
  • 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
  • 0.5 cup Chicken broth(warmed)
  • 1 cup Coconut milk
  • 1 tsp Achiote powder
  • 0.5 tsp Cumin
  • 0.5 tsp Coriander
  • 0.5 tsp Chili flakes(or to taste)
  • Salt(to taste)
  • Black pepper(to taste)
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
  • 0.25 cup Cilantro(chopped, for garnish)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Pat the pork cubes dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Sear the pork in batches until browned on all sides. Remove pork and set aside.

  2. 2

    Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the chopped tomatoes, achiote powder, cumin, coriander, and chili flakes. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

  3. 3

    Stir in the peanut butter until combined. Pour in the warmed chicken broth and coconut milk. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

  4. 4

    Return the seared pork to the pot. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the pork is tender.

  5. 5

    Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. The sauce should be thick and creamy.

  6. 6

    Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. It is traditionally served with white rice.

💡 Pro Tips

  • Using unsweetened peanut butter is key for the best flavor balance.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or water to reach desired consistency.
  • For a smoother sauce, you can blend the sauce before returning the pork to the pot.

🔄 Variations

  • Add diced sweet potatoes or carrots to the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  • For a spicier version, increase the amount of chili flakes or add a finely chopped jalapeño with the onions.

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