Bolivian Festive Picana

Picana is a traditional Christmas dish in Bolivia, rich with flavors and filled with a variety of meats and spices. This family recipe promises to impress with its delicious and hearty combination, perfect for a special festive gathering.

Ingredients

🥩 1 kg beef, cut into large pieces
🐑 1 kg lamb, cut into large pieces
🍗 1/2 large chicken, cut into large pieces
🥕 4 medium carrots, sliced lengthwise
🧅 2 large onions, halved
🌶️ 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
🌶️ 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
🍅 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
🌿 5 bay leaves
🍇 1/2 cup seedless raisins
🌶️ 3 tablespoons ground red chili pepper ají rojo, in paste or powder
🌶️ 1 tablespoon paprika
🌿 1/2 tablespoon ground cumin
🌶️ 1/2 tablespoon ground black pepper
🧂 1 tablespoon salt
🍫 7 allspice berries sweet peppercorns
🍷 1/2 cup Port wine
💧 4 liters water, for cooking meats with a piece of onion
🛢️ Oil as necessary

For Serving (Guarnición)

🌽 5 ears of corn
🥔 5 medium potatoes
🥔 1/2 lb tunta dehydrated white potato

Instructions

1- Prepare the Broth:

• In a large pot, combine beef, lamb, and chicken. Cover with 4 liters of water and add a halved onion. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat on your GE Profile Gas Range.
• Skim off any foam first, then reduce heat to a simmer. Allow to cook for about 1.5 hours, or until meats are tender.

2- Cook the Vegetables:

• Add carrots, onions, red and green bell peppers, tomatoes, and bay leaves to the pot. Continue cooking until vegetables begin to soften, about 20 minutes.

3- Season the Dish:

• Stir in the raisins, ground red chili pepper, paprika, cumin, black pepper, and allspice berries. Pour in the Port wine. Adjust salt to your taste. Let simmer for another 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

4- Prepare the Guarnición:

• While the picana simmers, cook the corn, potatoes, and tunta in a separate pot. Boil until tender, about 20-30 minutes, then drain and keep warm.

5- Serve and Enjoy:

• Serve the picana hot in bowls, accompanied by corn, potatoes, and tunta.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours
Servings: 6-8
Calories: Approximately 650 kcal
Protein: 50 g
Fats: 30 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Equipment: Le Creuset Dutch Oven, GE Profile Gas Range

Cooking Tips

• Ensure the meats are in large chunks to avoid them falling apart during the cooking process.
• The dish can be made a day in advance and gently reheated, allowing the flavors to intensify.

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Picana

Posted by Waivio guest: @waivio_hivecooking