Creole Ajiaco with Corn Balls

c
@cocinero44

Ajiaco Criollo is a traditional Latin American stew known for its rich flavors and hearty ingredients. This version includes delightful corn balls that add texture and taste to the dish.

Creole Ajiaco with Corn Balls recipe
Prep Time
20min
Cook Time
1hr 30min
Total Time
1hr 50min

Ingredients

6 Servings
(1 serving = 1 bowl)

Main Ingredients

  • small chicken, cut into
    small chicken, cut into
    1piece
  • pork loin, cut into pieces
    pork loin, cut into pieces
    1/2kg
  • ears of baby corn
    ears of baby corn
    2
  • green bananas, peeled and chopped
    green bananas, peeled and chopped
    2
  • of cassava
    of cassava
    1/4kg
  • .  of sweet potato
    . of sweet potato
    1/4kg
  • ripe bananas
    ripe bananas
    2
  • of pumpkin
    of pumpkin
    1/4kg
  • large onion
    large onion
    1
  • cloves of garlic
    cloves of garlic
    3
  • large red green pepper
    large red green pepper
    1
  • tomato sauce
    tomato sauce
    1cup
  • juice of  limes
    juice of limes
    2
  • Water
    Water
  • Salt
    Salt

Corn Balls

  • shredded corn
    shredded corn
    1cup
  • salt
    salt
    1tsp
  • milk
    milk
    2tbsp
  • of butter
    of butter
    2tbsp
  • garlic cloves, minced
    garlic cloves, minced
    2

How to make Creole Ajiaco with Corn Balls

Prepare the Chicken

  1. Step 1

    In a large pot, boil the chicken pieces in plenty of water with salt for 30 minutes.

  2. Step 2

    Add the pork, pumpkin, and corn pieces. Continue boiling for another 30 minutes, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface.

  3. Step 3

    Add the chopped green bananas, sweet potato, cassava, and ripe bananas.

  4. Step 4

    Cook for another 20 minutes or until all ingredients are tender.

Prepare the Sauce

  1. Step 1

    In a separate pan, sauté the chopped pepper, onion, garlic, and tomato sauce with a little water.

  2. Step 2

    Let it cook over low heat for 10 minutes.

Make the Corn Balls

  1. Step 1

    In a mortar or bowl, combine grated corn, salt, milk, butter, and minced garlic. Mix well.

  2. Step 2

    Shape the mixture into small balls. Add them to the stew and cook for 10 minutes.

Season and Finish

  1. Step 1

    Add cilantro and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.

  2. Step 2

    Serve the ajiaco criollo hot, topped with corn balls and a drizzle of lime juice for added flavor.

Prepare Corn Balls

  1. Step 1

    Mix cornmeal with water and salt to form a dough. Shape into small balls.

Add Corn Balls

  1. Step 1

    In the final 15 minutes of cooking, add corn balls to the stew. Cook until they float and are cooked through.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

394.5kcal (19.72%)

Protein

28.9g (57.88%)

Carbs

18.9g (6.87%)

Sugars

7.4g (14.88%)

Healthy Fat

8.7g

Unhealthy Fat

13.5g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. ** **Add lime juice at the end rather than during cooking to preserve its fresh, tangy flavor.

  2. Skim foam regularly during boiling to keep the broth clear and clean-tasting.

  3. Cut all vegetables into evenly sized pieces so they cook uniformly and retain texture.

FAQS

  1. Can I make this dish without pork or chicken?

    Yes. You can omit one or both meats and replace them with vegetables like squash or mushrooms for a lighter version. However, the traditional flavor comes from using both meats.

  2. How should I store leftovers?

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

  3. What can I serve with Ajiaco?

    Serve hot with additional lime wedges and cilantro for garnish. Accompany with white rice or crusty bread.

  4. Do the corn balls fall apart in the stew?

    If mixed well and shaped firmly, the corn balls should hold together. Adding a little more grated corn or chilling them briefly before cooking helps maintain their shape.

  5. What is the difficulty level of this recipe?

    This recipe is considered medium difficulty.

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