Authentic Colombian Sancocho Soup
Sancocho is a traditional Colombian soup that warms the heart and soul, bringing families together around the dinner table. This version, perfectly adapted for a slow cooker, allows you to savor the rich, savory flavors of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Imagine coming back from Sunday worship to a home filled with the delicious, comforting aroma of slow-cooked sancocho. This nourishing soup is not just a family favorite; it's also a go-to cure for those pesky hangovers, making it a popular dish the day after a grand celebration. While this recipe is designed with chicken, feel free to use your favorite combination of meats or even seafood, adjusting cooking times as necessary. Whether prepared in a slow cooker or on a stovetop, this versatile dish offers a delightful taste of Colombian culture that you can enjoy any day of the week.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 lbs (Cubed)
Potatoes
5 medium (Halved)
Carrots
2 (Sliced into thick sections)
Yucca root
1 cup (Peeled and cut, or use a small bag of frozen yucca)
Ripe plantain
1 (Cut into 1-inch sections with skin on)
Onion
1 medium (Chopped)
Fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons (Chopped)
Cabbage leaves
3 (Cut into thick strips)
Sazon Goya
to taste (Stirred into water)
Water
10-15 cups (For soup base)
Salt and pepper
to taste (For seasoning)
Adobo seasoning
to taste (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
Start by cutting and peeling all the vegetables and protein as needed. Ensure that everything is prepared to bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
2
Layer the base of the slow cooker with all the chopped vegetables: potatoes, carrots, yucca, plantain, onion, and cabbage. Make sure to distribute them evenly.
3
Add the cubed chicken breasts on top of the vegetable layer, creating a protein layer that will cook nicely with the flavors of the veggies.
4
In a separate bowl, mix Sazon Goya with 2 cups of water until well dissolved. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring they are coated with flavor.
5
Sprinkle a generous amount of Adobo seasoning over the chicken for extra depth of flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6
Pour additional water into the slow cooker until it reaches almost full. This will help the flavors meld beautifully as they cook.
7
Cover the slow cooker and set it on high for 6 hours or low for 8 hours. Near the end of cooking, check the chicken for doneness, ensuring it’s cooked through and tender. If using seafood, add it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking for best results.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Colombian Sancocho Soup?
Sancocho is a traditional Colombian soup that is known for being a hearty and soul-warming meal that brings families together.
How is this specific sancocho recipe prepared?
This version is specifically adapted for a slow cooker, allowing the flavors of chicken, vegetables, and herbs to meld over several hours.
Is sancocho good for hangovers?
Yes, sancocho is a popular go-to cure for hangovers and is frequently served the day after a grand celebration.
What type of chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts, which are cubed for even cooking.
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Yes, you can use your favorite combination of meats or even seafood, though you may need to adjust the cooking times.
How many potatoes are needed?
You will need 5 medium potatoes, which should be halved.
How should the carrots be prepared?
Use 2 carrots and slice them into thick sections for the soup.
What is yucca root and how do I prepare it?
Yucca root is a starchy vegetable; you can use 1 cup of peeled and cut fresh yucca or a small bag of frozen yucca.
How do I prepare the plantain for sancocho?
One ripe plantain should be cut into 1-inch sections with the skin left on.
Is onion used in this soup?
Yes, the recipe requires one medium chopped onion.
How much cilantro is included?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of fresh, chopped cilantro.
How is the cabbage prepared?
Take 3 cabbage leaves and cut them into thick strips.
What is Sazon Goya?
Sazon Goya is a seasoning used in the soup; it should be stirred into 2 cups of water until dissolved before being added to the pot.
How much water is required for the soup base?
The recipe calls for 10-15 cups of water, or enough to fill the slow cooker almost to the top.
What other seasonings are used for flavor?
In addition to Sazon Goya, the recipe uses Adobo seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
How should I layer the ingredients in the slow cooker?
Start by layering the chopped vegetables at the bottom, then place the cubed chicken breasts on top.
How long does sancocho cook on the high setting?
When set to high, the sancocho should cook for 6 hours.
How long does sancocho cook on the low setting?
When set to low, the sancocho should cook for 8 hours.
When should I add seafood if I choose to use it?
If you are using seafood, add it to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Do I need to peel all the vegetables?
The yucca root must be peeled, but the plantain is cut into sections with the skin on.
What size should the vegetable pieces be?
All vegetables and protein should be cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
Can this recipe be made on a stovetop?
Yes, this versatile dish can be prepared either in a slow cooker or on a stovetop.
Is this a traditional Colombian dish?
Yes, sancocho is a staple of Colombian culture and a traditional family meal.
How do I season the chicken specifically?
Sprinkle a generous amount of Adobo seasoning over the chicken once it is layered on top of the vegetables.
What does the Sazon Goya mixture do?
Dissolving Sazon Goya in water and pouring it over the ingredients ensures that the flavors are distributed evenly.
How do I check if the chicken is done?
Near the end of the cooking time, check the chicken to ensure it is cooked through and tender.
Why is the plantain cooked with the skin on?
Cooking the plantain with the skin on is a traditional method that helps it hold its shape in the slow-cooked soup.
Is this soup considered a hearty meal?
Yes, with its combination of protein, potatoes, yucca, and plantain, it is a very filling and hearty soup.
Can I add more herbs?
While the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of cilantro, you can adjust aromatic herbs to your personal preference.
Does the recipe use specific brands?
The recipe specifically mentions Sazon Goya and Adobo seasoning for authentic Colombian flavor.