Venezuelan Sancocho

Venezuelan Sancocho

Venezuelan Sancocho is a hearty, comforting stew featuring tender beef shank and a colorful medley of root vegetables. This rich, flavorful soup is traditionally enjoyed as a satisfying family meal, perfect for cooler days.

Beef

Prep Time

20 min

Cook Time

75 min

Servings

6

Sancocho is a beloved traditional stew in Venezuela, cherished for its warm, nourishing qualities and vibrant flavors. This dish centers around slowly simmered beef hind shank, which becomes delectably tender and infuses the broth with deep, meaty richness. The addition of various root vegetables and fresh aromatics lends a pleasing texture contrast and earthy sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with the savory meat. Historically, sancocho has been a staple in many Latin American cultures, often served during family gatherings and special occasions. It represents comfort and togetherness, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Venezuela. The dish pairs wonderfully with arepas or casabe, which help soak up the delicious broth and add a satisfying bite alongside the stew. In this recipe, the cooking process is both straightforward and rewarding, emphasizing patience as the meat slowly becomes fork-tender. Tips like removing large bones and vegetables midway keep the stew clear and let the fresh ingredients shine through. The finishing touch of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime or a dash of hot sauce elevates the flavors, creating a vibrant, inviting meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 lb Hind Shank
  • 2 small Onion
  • 0.5 Pepper
  • 4 cloves chopped Garlic
  • 4 cloves crushed Garlic
  • 1 Leek
  • 8 cup Beef Stock
  • 0.5 cup Sweet Red Peppers
  • 0.5 cup Scallions
  • 2 Sweetcorn
  • 0.5 lb Cassaba
  • 0.5 lb Yautia
  • 0.5 lb White Yam
  • 0.5 lb Butternut Squash
  • To taste Salt
  • To taste Pepper
  • Chopped Cilantro

Instructions

Begin by placing the beef hind shank into a large stockpot along with one small onion halved, half a bell pepper halved, four whole garlic cloves, the dark green leafy portion of the leek, and the beef stock. Bring this wholesome mixture to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes, allowing the meat to slowly soften until fork-tender. Note that the cooking time can be a little longer depending on your meat, so be patient to achieve that perfect tenderness. Once the meat is tender, carefully remove and discard the large vegetable pieces and bones from the pot to keep your broth clean and clear. Next, add diced onion, two minced garlic cloves, sweet mini peppers, thinly sliced light green leek parts, fresh scallions, diced yucca, and corn kernels. Stir to combine these fresh ingredients, cover, and simmer over medium heat for 5 to 8 minutes until the yucca begins to soften — keep an eye on it, as yucca can take slightly longer to tenderize. Then, incorporate the yautia, white yam, and diced butternut squash, stirring gently to mix everything together. Cover once again and simmer for 5 to 6 minutes over medium heat, just until all root vegetables become tender but still hold their shape—overcooking can cause them to break apart. Taste the stew and season with salt as needed. Stir in the freshly chopped cilantro and the remaining two minced garlic cloves, allowing the flavors to meld by simmering for an additional 2 minutes. Serve this vibrant, hearty sancocho piping hot in large soup bowls, ensuring an even distribution of meat and vegetables. For an extra zing, add a squeeze of lime juice or a dash of hot sauce to your bowl. Pair it perfectly with warm arepas or traditional casabe (cassava bread) to complete this authentic Venezuelan experience.

Quick Info

Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
75 min
Total Time
95 min
Servings
6