Sancocho 3 Ways
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Sancocho 3 Ways

Exploring three nourishing versions of sancocho from Colombia, Puerto Rico, and Dominican Republic.

Oct 07, 2025

By: Franchesca Livraghi | @breakthrukitchen

It’s Hispanic Heritage Month, and there’s probably no recipe more cherished and loved in our cocinas than Sancocho. This comforting stew shows up across Latin America and the Caribbean, with each country putting its own spin on the mix of meats, roots, and seasonings. No matter where it comes from, Sancocho always brings that homecooked love to the table.

We’re exploring three amazing versions from Colombia, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.

3 Sancochos with Loisa Sofrito Rojo

Sancochos side by side

Sancocho can look and taste a little different depending on where you are, but it’s always comforting and full of flavor. Colombian Sancocho is usually simpler, with bone-in chicken, plantains, yuca, potatoes, and auyama, all simmered in a flavorful Sofrito Rojo that gives the broth a nice, rich depth. 

Puerto Rican Sancocho is a bit more layered, with chicken, pork, and beef cooked with recaito, tomato sauce, and a mix of roots and vegetables, creating a stew that’s thicker. 

The Dominican version is a true celebration in a pot, with chicken, pork, beef, smoked ham, longaniza, and a mix of plantains, yuca, ñame, yautía, and auyama, slow-cooked into a hearty stew. No matter the version, Sancocho is always pure comfort in a bowl!

Tips for making Colombian Sancocho

- Use bone-in chicken for a richer more flavorful broth.

- Add hard vegetables first, soft ones later.

- Add shredded carrot for color and thickness.

Meat in caldero for sancocho

Tips for making Puerto Rican Sancocho

- Cook down Loisa Recaito and tomato sauce for a flavorful base.

- Brown each meat separately for deeper flavor.

- Remove chicken while simmering so it doesn’t overcook, then return it at the end.

Chicken in caldero for sancocho

Tips for making Dominican Sancocho

- Cook meats in stages and remove the chicken so doesn’t overcook.

- Mash the auyama and add it back in for color and thickness.

- Finish with sour orange juice to brighten flavors.

Sancocho heating up in caldero

Always serve with white rice and aguacate

One thing all these Sancochos have in common is their sides! No matter which Sancocho you make, you can’t forget the fluffy white rice and fresh avocado slices on the side. The rice soaks up the flavorful broth and the avocado adds creaminess and freshness which just makes the perfect bite! 

Sancochos served in bowls with Loisa products

 

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