Tapado Olanchano
Tapado Olanchano is a hearty and flavorful stew originating from the Olancho region of Honduras. It is characterized by its rich combination of salted beef, pork ribs, chorizo, and a variety of root vegetables and plantains, all simmered in a savory broth often enriched with coconut milk. The use of ripe plantain peels as a base and lid is a traditional technique that imparts a unique flavor and aroma to the stew. This dish is a celebration of Honduran culinary heritage, offering a deeply satisfying and culturally representative meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 lbs Salted beef(soaked overnight and cut into cubes)
- 2 lbs Pork ribs(cut into pieces)
- 1 lb Pork chorizo(sliced)
- 1 lb Pork cracklings(optional)
- 2 lbs Yuca (cassava)(peeled and cut into chunks)
- 5 medium Green plantains(peeled and cut into chunks)
- 3 medium Ripe plantains(peeled and cut into chunks)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(diced)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 1 medium Sweet chili pepper(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 0.5 bunch Cilantro(chopped)
- 0.25 bunch Culantro (recao)(chopped (optional))
- 2 cans (14 oz each) Coconut milk
- 1 tbsp Achiote (annatto)(powder or paste)
- 1 cup Meat broth
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Seasoning
- 1 pinch Salt(to taste, be cautious as beef is salted)
- 1 pinch Pepper(to taste)
- 4-5 large Ripe plantain peels(reserved for lining the pot)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Soak the salted beef in water overnight. The next day, drain, rinse, and cut into 1-inch cubes. Cut the pork ribs into pieces.
💡 Tip: Soaking the salted beef is crucial to remove excess salt. - 2
In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the chopped onion, chili pepper, garlic, and half of the chopped cilantro and culantro in a little oil until softened. Add the diced tomatoes and cook for a few more minutes.
- 3
Add the cubed salted beef to the pot and mix. Add enough water to cover the meat and bring to a boil. Cook for about 40 minutes, or until the beef begins to soften.
- 4
Add the pork ribs and cook for another 30 minutes, or until tender. If using pork cracklings and chorizo, add them in the last 15 minutes of this step.
- 5
Remove the meats from the pot and set aside. Reserve about 4-5 cups of the cooking broth. In a separate small pan, cook the chorizo if not already added, and reserve.
💡 Tip: This step allows you to control the consistency of the final stew. - 6
Line the bottom of a large, deep pot with the reserved ripe plantain peels. Layer the yuca, green plantains, ripe plantains, cooked meats (beef, ribs, chorizo), and pork cracklings (if using) over the peels.
- 7
In a bowl, mix the achiote powder with a little of the reserved broth to create a paste. Pour this mixture, the remaining reserved broth, meat broth, chicken broth, and coconut milk over the layered ingredients in the pot. Add the remaining chopped cilantro and culantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste, being mindful of the saltiness of the beef.
💡 Tip: Ensure the liquid covers most of the ingredients. - 8
Cover the top of the pot with the remaining plantain peels. Cover the pot tightly with a lid. Cook over medium-low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the yuca and plantains are very tender.
💡 Tip: A tight seal is important for steaming the ingredients. - 9
Remove the plantain peels from the top. Stir gently to combine the ingredients. Serve hot in large bowls.
💡 Tip: Tapado Olanchano is often served with a side of white rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The quality of the salted beef is important; look for a good cut with a balance of meat and fat.
- ✓If you cannot find culantro, you can omit it or use more cilantro.
- ✓Adjust the amount of coconut milk to achieve your desired richness.
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes include other root vegetables like sweet potatoes or malanga.
- For a spicier version, add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Some variations use fish or seafood, creating a Tapado Costeño.