RECETA HAYACA MANABITA | 🇪🇨

green olives

🥗Healthier: capers

💰Cheaper: pickles

Capers provide a similar briny flavor.

chicken

🥗Healthier: turkey

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Turkey is leaner, while chicken thighs are more affordable.

pork

🥗Healthier: lean beef

💰Cheaper: ground beef

Ground beef is often cheaper and still flavorful.

corn dough

🥗Healthier: whole wheat dough

💰Cheaper: cornmeal

Cornmeal can be used to make a simpler dough.

Prepare the chicken broth and let it cool down before using.

Mix 2 cups of corn flour with 5 cups of chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps.

Cook the corn mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly for about 15 minutes until it reaches a thick consistency.

To check if the dough is ready, it should fall in the shape of a letter or be compact when cooled.

Dissolve 1/2 cup of ground peanuts in 1 cup of water, adding salt, pepper, cumin, and annatto to taste.

Cook the peanut sauce over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent lumps, until it thickens.

Clean the banana leaves and cut them into pieces approximately 20-28 cm long.

Place the shiny side of the banana leaf facing up and spread 2 tablespoons of the corn dough on it.

Make an indentation in the dough and add the peanut sauce, followed by shredded chicken, olives, and slices of hard-boiled egg.

Fold the banana leaves over the filling and wrap them securely, optionally tying them with kitchen twine or using the banana leaf itself.

Prepare a steamer or a pot with boiling water, placing a banana leaf at the bottom to prevent water from dripping onto the hallacas.

Cook the hallacas for about 35 minutes, checking the water level to ensure it doesn't dry out.

Remove the hallacas from the pot and let them cool slightly before unwrapping.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: