Hominy, Chicken, and Pork Stew
SERVES 8 - 10
Locro, which is also made with beef, is always served as a main course, with rice.
1 lb. dried white beans, soaked overnight
1 lb. dried giant hominy (treated white corn), soaked overnight
1 3-lb. chicken, skinned, boned, and cut into chunks
1 1/2 lbs. lean spareribs
1 lb. pancetta, cubed
2 small red bell peppers, cored, seeded, and diced
1 lb. Spanish-style chorizo, cut into 1'' pieces
1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
2 tbsp. sweet paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1. Drain beans, then transfer to a medium pot. Add enough water to cover beans by 1''. Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until tender, about 45 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, drain corn, then transfer to a large heavy pot. Add enough water to cover corn by 2'', then simmer over medium-low heat for 1 hour. Add chicken, spareribs, pancetta, peppers, chorizo, squash, and paprika, and add enough water to just cover meat and vegetables. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until corn blooms and stew is thick, about 4 hours more. Add beans just before stew is done. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
But I made the plunge. At about the 3 hr point, this looks like an utter disaster. Loads of meat floating around in a porky smelling watery broth. But somewhere around hour 4, the hominy is blooming, the broth is thickening, and the smells become incredible. Right at hour 5, I took it off the stove. Luckily we all tasted for salt and DO NOT add any, as that pancetta has all you need, even after the beans are introduced. A ton of pepper later, and EVERYONE (including three kids under 13) loved!
Quite a commitment, but well worth it, and a LOT of food. Warming up now for the next night.
But I made the plunge. At about the 3 hr point, this looks like an utter disaster. Loads of meat floating around in a porky smelling watery broth. But somewhere around hour 4, the hominy is blooming, the broth is thickening, and the smells become incredible. Right at hour 5, I took it off the stove. Luckily we all tasted for salt and DO NOT add any, as that pancetta has all you need, even after the beans are introduced. A ton of pepper later, and EVERYONE (including three kids under 13) loved!
Quite a commitment, but well worth it, and a LOT of food. Warming up now for the next night. Rating: 5