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VENEZUELAN HALLACAS STEP BY STEP - Caracas Vlog

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Hallacas

Cultural Context

Hallacas are a traditional Venezuelan dish, often associated with Christmas celebrations. They are a symbol of family unity, as families gather to prepare them together, each contributing their own unique touch to the filling. While hallacas can be found year-round, they hold a special place during the holiday season, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Venezuela. Today, variations exist across Latin America, with each country adding its own twist to the concept of a wrapped savory filling.

VenezuelanVEmain
180 min
medium
12 servings
Servings4
8 cups pork
2 cups chives
4 cups onion
5 tomatoes
1.5 spoons sweet paprika
2 teaspoons spicy paprika
1 full yard Worcestershire sauce
splash of red wine
1.5 spoons cumin
5 spoons salt
3/4 cup garlic
capers
bell pepper
aji dulce
celery
leek
hand (pork)
water

beef

🥗Healthier: turkey

💰Cheaper: chicken

Turkey reduces fat content while still providing protein.

green olives

🥗Healthier: black olives

💰Cheaper: pickles

Black olives offer a similar flavor profile.

pork

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: ground turkey

Tofu is a lower-calorie option, while ground turkey is more affordable.

banana leaves

💰Cheaper: parchment paper

Parchment paper can be used for wrapping when banana leaves are unavailable.

1

Defrost the hand (pork) overnight until fully defrosted.

2

Cut the hand into smaller pieces and prepare to boil them.

3

In a large pot, add the hand and cover with water to make a stock.

4

Add celery, onions, bell pepper, and cilantro to the pot for flavor.

5

Boil the hand for about 5 minutes, then remove it from the pot.

6

Take the hand to a place called el atigio to make the dough for the ajakas.

7

At el atigio, order the dough to be made, specifying that you want it a little sweet and a little spicy.

8

Cube the pork leg into smaller pieces for the giso.

9

Chop 2 cups of chives and set aside.

10

Chop 4 cups of onion and add to the frying pan.

11

Chop 5 tomatoes and prepare to liquefy them with capers and garlic.

12

In a frying pan, add the onion, leek, and sauté until fragrant.

13

Add the cubed hand and chicken stock to the frying pan.

14

Add the chopped bell peppers and aji dulce to the mixture.

15

Add 1 full yard of Worcestershire sauce and a splash of red wine for seasoning.

16

Add 1.5 spoons of sweet paprika and 2 teaspoons of spicy paprika to the mixture.

17

Add 1.5 spoons of cumin and 5 spoons of salt, adjusting to taste.

18

Add the previously boiled pork to the giso and mix well.

Cooking Techniques

mixingboilingwrappingsteaming

Equipment Needed

large potfrying pan

Spice Level:

🌶️🌶️🌶️

Also Known As

Venezuelan TamalesHallacas de Navidad

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