World Flavors Cookbook

Sancocho de Gallina

Panama's national dish — whole hen (gallina) simmered for hours with culantro, yuca, ñame, corn, and oregano until the broth turns golden and rich.

Cuisine: Panama

Ingredients

• 1 whole stewing hen (gallina), cut
• 500g yuca, cubed
• 500g ñame or yam, cubed
• 3 ears corn, cut in thirds
• 1 onion, halved
• 6 cloves garlic
• 1 bunch culantro (recao), chopped
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Place hen in a large pot with water, onion, and garlic.
2. Bring to boil. Skim foam. Simmer 1.5 hours.
3. Add ñame and yuca. Cook 20 minutes.
4. Add corn. Cook 10 more minutes.
5. Season with salt and oregano.
6. Add culantro generously. Serve with white rice.