Puchero Uruguayo
A hearty and comforting stew, Puchero is a traditional Uruguayan dish made with a variety of meats (beef, pork, chicken) and vegetables, slow-cooked to perfection. It's a staple in Uruguayan homes, especially during colder months.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Beef short ribs
- 300 g Pork belly(cut into chunks)
- 4 thighs or drumsticks Chicken pieces
- 4 ears Corn on the cob(cut into 2-3 pieces each)
- 4 medium Potatoes(peeled and quartered)
- 3 medium Carrots(peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 2 medium Sweet potatoes(peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 1/2 medium Butternut squash(peeled, seeded, and cut into large chunks)
- 1/2 head Cabbage(cut into wedges)
- 1 large Onion(quartered)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(smashed)
- 2 Bay leaves
- enough to cover Water
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, combine the beef short ribs, pork belly, and chicken pieces. Add the quartered onion, smashed garlic cloves, and bay leaves. Cover with enough water to fully submerge the meats.
- 2
Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meats are tender. Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface during the first hour of cooking.
- 3
Add the corn on the cob, potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and cabbage wedges to the pot. Ensure the vegetables are mostly submerged. Add more water if necessary.
- 4
Continue to simmer, covered, for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the vegetables are tender but not mushy. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- 5
Remove the meats and vegetables from the pot. Arrange them on a large platter. Strain the broth and serve it in bowls separately, or ladle some over the meats and vegetables.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a piece of chorizo or morcilla (blood sausage) during the last hour of cooking.
- ✓Don't overcook the vegetables; they should be tender but hold their shape.
- ✓Puchero is often served with a side of salsa criolla (a relish made with finely chopped onion, tomato, bell pepper, and vinegar).
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes include chickpeas or white beans for added heartiness.
- Different cuts of beef, such as brisket or chuck roast, can be used.