Cuchuco, Colombian Wheat and Pork Stew

My hubby graciously allowed me to write down this recipe for a Colombian wheat and pork stew called cuchuco. I didn’t know of its existence, but once I tried it, I was sold. It is perfect in winter as it has wheat or barley kernels, as well a cabbage varieties. If you are into one-pot stews, this one is definitely one to try!

It is hard to tell what is Colombian cuisine as it depends a lot on the region. My husband is from the capital Bogotá, which is at 2,500 meters altitude. Due to that, Bogotá is called the “fridge” of Colombia, there is no jungle, you will be comfortable, temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius are normal. For that reason all the departments from the mountains have a variety of stews to offer. Cuchuco is from the department Boyaca. It is usually made with wheat, or in my instance with barley. You can also find it with corn. Usually potatoes are a staple and legumes such as beans and lentils. Cabbage is also a typical ingredient. To flavor the stew, usually pork is used, pork ribs to be exact. However, you may also use other meat.

Credit: Slightly adapted from Lacolombiana TV (Youtube in Spanisch)

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Cuchuco, Colombian Wheat and Pork Stew

Prep Time: 15min – Cooking Time: 1hr – Total Time: 1hr 15min

Cuchuco, is a Colombian wheat and pork stew that also contains cabbage and potatoes. It is very hearty and comes together in a bit more than an hour

Ingredients

• 1 medium-sized onion
• 3 carrots
• 1 spring onion
• 1 bunch of parsley
• 1 bunch of thyme
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 2 laurel leaves
• 1 kilogram of pork ribs
• 4 liters of homemade vegetable broth
• 2 garlic cloves
• 250 grams of very small poatoes (replacement for the Colombian patatas criollas)
• 250 grams of mealy potatoes
• 250 grams of wheat kernels (I had barley I got from Edeka)
• 6 leaves of white cabbage
• 1 small kale
• 100 grams of frozen peas
• Fresh cilantro for decorating

Instructions

1

Peel and cut onion, carrots, cut spring onion, chop parsley and thyme. Put everything into a very large pot, add salt and laurel leaves. If needed, cut the pork ribs in smaller chunks and add to the pot. Cover with about two liters of broth, add the cut garlic and let simmer for about 30min.

2

Meanwhile wash the potatoes, cut the larger ones into smaller pieces, but leave the small one whole. Process a small part of the kernels, this will help to thicken the stew a bit. Cut all cabbage and kale in mouth-size pieces. Add the other two liters of broth, bring to a boil and add all prepared ingredients. Reduce heat and simmer for another 30 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Traditionally this is served with freshly chopped cilantro and banana (yes, you read right) and you may get the soft drink "Colombiana" on the side.

If you are interested in more Colombian stews, how about:

#1 Mild Colombian beans (frijoles)

#2 Chicken stew (pollo sudado)

#3 Chicken and rice