Recipe: Ajiaco, Another Version

Ajiaco

3/4 lb Tasajo (salt-dried beef)
1 lb Baby back ribs
Salt to taste
Freshly-ground black pepper to taste
1 lb Flank steak
1 lb Pork loin
1 cup Olive oil
2 cup Chopped onions
1/4 cup Chopped garlic
1 Green bell pepper seeded, chopped
1 Red bell pepper seeded, chopped
1 cup Peeled, seeded, chopped tomatoes
1 tbsp Cumin
1 tbsp Spanish paprika
1 tbsp Freshly-ground black pepper
1 lb Yuca (cassava or manioc) peeled, and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 lb Name (white taro or malanga) peeled, and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 lb Yellow malanga peeled, and cut into 2-inch pieces
2 ears Corn - kernels scraped from the cob
4 quart Chicken stock
1 lb Boniato (sweet potatoes or yams) cut 2-inch pieces
2 Green plantains cut 2-inch pieces
Juice of three limes (Mexican or Puerto Rican lemons)
1 lb Calabaza (pumpkin or squash) peeled, and cut into 2-inch pieces
2 Ripe plantains cut 2-inch pieces
Crusty bread for serving

Soak the tasajo overnight in cold water, changing the water at least twice. Remove the tasajo from the water and cut into 1-inch pieces. Cut the ribs into individual ribs. Cut the flank steak into 1-inch strips. Cut the pork into 1-inch pieces. Place the tasajo and ribs in a stock pot and cover with water. Season the water with salt and pepper. Cook the meat for about 1 hour or until the ribs are tender. Remove from the heat and drain.

In a stock pot, heat the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the onions, garlic, bell peppers, tomatoes, cumin, paprika, and black pepper. Saute the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the flank steak and pork loin. Brown the meat for 3 to 4 minutes. Season the meat with salt. Add the yuca, name, malanga, and corn. Season with salt and pepper. Add 4 quarts chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 45 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Add the boniato, green plantains, and lime juice. Cook for 10 minutes. Add the calabaza and the ripe plantains and cook for 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. The stew will be creamy with pieces of meat and vegetables. Serve with crusty bread.

This recipe yields 8 or more servings.