🍲 Vegan Puerto Rican Sancocho (Hearty Root Vegetable Stew)
Here's a cozy, hearty Plant-Based Puerto Rican Sancocho that brings ALL the warm, stew-like vibes without a drop of meat. This one's thick, chunky, and flavorful—just like abuela would’ve made it… but vegan 💚
🍲 Vegan Puerto Rican Sancocho (Hearty Root Vegetable Stew)
Total Time: 1 hr 15 min | Prep: 20 min | Cook: 55 min | Serves: 6–8
If there’s one dish that screams comfort food for Puerto Ricans, it’s sancocho. Traditionally made with a mix of meats and root veggies, this plant-based version keeps all the sabor and nostalgia—minus the animal products. It’s rich, earthy, and perfect with a side of white rice or crusty bread. And yes, you’ll want seconds (or thirds). 💁🏽♀️
🛒 Ingredients
For the base:
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2 tbsp achiote oil (or neutral oil)
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1 medium yellow onion, chopped
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1 green bell pepper, chopped
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp sofrito
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1½ tsp adobo seasoning
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1 tsp sazón (homemade or no-MSG store-bought)
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1 bay leaf
Veggies (chunky cut):
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1 green plantain, peeled and sliced into rounds
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1–2 carrots, chopped
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1 medium potato, peeled and chopped
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1 yuca (cassava), peeled and cubed
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1 yautía or malanga (if available)
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1 corn on the cob, cut into 3–4 pieces
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½ small calabaza squash (Caribbean pumpkin), peeled and cubed
Other:
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5–6 cups vegetable broth (or water + bouillon)
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1 handful chopped cilantro (plus more for garnish)
👩🏽🍳 Instructions
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Build that flavor base:
In a large pot or caldero, heat achiote oil. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until fragrant (about 3–5 mins). Add sofrito, cumin, oregano, sazón, adobo, and bay leaf. Stir well. -
Add the veggies:
Toss in your root vegetables and plantains. Stir to coat with all that flavor goodness. -
Simmer:
Pour in the broth, making sure veggies are mostly covered. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45–55 minutes, or until all the root veggies are tender and the broth is thickened. -
Finish strong:
Squeeze in some lime juice and stir in fresh cilantro. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
🧠 Mom Tips
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🍚 Serve over rice or with a side of avocado for the ultimate comfort bowl.
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🌽 No calabaza? Use butternut squash. No yautía? Double the potato. We’re flexible over here.
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🧊 This stew freezes beautifully—batch cook and stash for busy nights.
🥣 Why I Love It
This sancocho is like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s soulful, filling, and makes my kitchen smell like I’m back in my Titi’s house with a plate on the table and novellas playing in the background. No meat needed—just love and flavor. ❤️
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