World Flavors Cookbook

Hallacas Navideñas

Venezuela's extraordinary Christmas dish: corn dough filled with a complex meat stew, olives, raisins, and capers, wrapped in banana leaves and boiled.

Cuisine: Venezuela

Ingredients

• Corn dough seasoned with achiote and pork stock
• Stew: beef, pork, chicken, onions, leeks, garlic, peppers, wine, capers, olives
• Garnishes: onion rings, bell pepper strips, raisins, almonds, chickpeas
• Clean banana leaves and kitchen twine

Instructions

1. Prepare the stew (guiso) the day before. Cook the meats and vegetables with spices and wine until rich.
2. Spread a thin layer of seasoned corn dough onto a cleaned banana leaf.
3. Place a large spoonful of the stew in the center. Top with individual garnishes (raisins, olives, etc.).
4. Fold the banana leaf carefully to create a rectangular package. Tie with twine using a specific criss-cross pattern.
5. Boil the packages in water for 1.5 to 2 hours.
6. Let cool and rest for at least 24 hours (or up to a week) to let flavors develop before reheating and eating.