Pollo en Crema con Loroco
A creamy and aromatic chicken dish featuring the unique floral notes of loroco, a native Guatemalan vine flower. This comforting stew is often served with rice and tortillas.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Chicken thighs(bone-in, skin-on, cut into pieces)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(quartered)
- 0.5 green Bell pepper(chopped)
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 0.5 cup Loroco flowers(fresh or preserved, cleaned)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 0.25 cup Cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Ensure even seasoning for balanced flavor. - 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown chicken pieces on all sides until golden. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 3
Add chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
💡 Tip: Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. - 4
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 5
Add quartered tomatoes and chopped bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes begin to break down.
- 6
Return chicken to the pot. Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any stuck-on bits.
💡 Tip: This deglazing process adds extra flavor to the sauce. - 7
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- 8
Stir in heavy cream and loroco flowers. Simmer gently for another 5-7 minutes, uncovered, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the loroco is tender.
💡 Tip: Do not boil after adding the cream to prevent curdling. - 9
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasonings before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Loroco flowers can be found in Latin American markets, often preserved in brine. Rinse them well before use.
- ✓For a richer flavor, use chicken thighs with skin and bone.
- ✓If you can't find fresh loroco, preserved ones are a good substitute. Adjust their cooking time as needed.
- ✓Serve hot with white rice and warm corn tortillas.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of ground cumin for a different aromatic profile.
- For a spicier kick, add a finely chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the onions.
- Use chicken breast instead of thighs, but be mindful of cooking time to avoid drying out.