How to make hallacas

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.

Prepare banana leaves to wrap the ajas, which will add extra taste to the dish.

Cook chicken drumsticks in chicken stock.

Mash 4 potatoes and mix them with 4 cups of maseca.

Add vegetable shortening, pepper, and coriander to the mixture.

Focus on the filling: chop an onion and spring onion, and add the cooked chicken drumsticks.

Add half a cup of soy sauce to the filling mixture.

Use hands to mix the ingredients, optionally using a mixer.

Prepare the banana leaves by laying them in a cross shape and creating a rectangular shape in the middle for the filling.

Fill the center of the banana leaves with the mixture, creating a pocket.

Wrap the banana leaves around the filling like a parcel, ensuring it's not too tight to avoid breaking the leaves.

Use two layers of banana leaves for better protection during boiling.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: