Ayacas - Holiday Tradition in Aruba

pork

🥗Healthier: turkey

💰Cheaper: chicken

Turkey is leaner than pork, while chicken is often less expensive.

corn dough

🥗Healthier: quinoa flour

💰Cheaper: cornmeal

Quinoa flour offers a gluten-free alternative, while cornmeal is widely available.

green plantains

🥗Healthier: zucchini

💰Cheaper: regular potatoes

Zucchini can mimic the texture of plantains, while potatoes are more economical.

banana leaves

🥗Healthier: parchment paper

💰Cheaper: aluminum foil

Parchment paper is a healthier option for wrapping, while foil is more accessible.

Prepare the meat stew a night before to let it marinate in juices.

In the stew, include pork and chicken along with onion, chives, paprika, garlic, celery, soy sauce, cooking wine, and stock cubes.

Knead the corn flour with chicken broth until well mixed.

Take a piece of dry plantain leaf and spread a small ball of cornmeal around it.

Place a generous portion of the meat stew on top of the cornmeal on the plantain leaf.

Top the filling with diced carrots, green peppers, olives, and raisins.

Wrap the plantain leaf around the filling, ensuring it is secure.

Use a ball of yarn to tie the wrapped ayakas together.

Drop the wrapped ayakas into a pot of boiling water and cook for approximately 45 minutes.

After 45 minutes, take one out of the pot to unwrap and taste.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary