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The Recipe · No.823 · Sancocho

Sancocho, and where to source it

Sancocho — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Sancocho Dominican 5best2buy.com

Reach for more than one meat and give the pot a long, slow simmer so each cut turns tender and the broth grows rich. Finish with a squeeze of sour orange or lime; that bit of acid keeps all the richness from turning heavy.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep25 min
Cook2 hr
Makes6 servings
CuisineDominican
Cost$$$
Gluten-freeDairy-free
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 6 servings
Beef and pork
Chunks of both for a deeper broth. Grass-fed and heritage cuts shine.
600 g total
Chicken
Bone-in pieces added for a third layer of flavor. A pasture-raised bird is best.
300 g
Yuca and plantain
Peeled and chunked; they thicken the broth as they soften. Fresh, bought local.
4 cups
Local / market
Corn
Cut into cobs and added near the end. Fresh sweet corn is best.
2 cobs
Onion and garlic
The aromatic base with herbs. Fresh.
to taste
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●● Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Season and brownSeason the meats with garlic and herbs and sear them.
  2. SimmerAdd water and the harder root vegetables and simmer an hour and a half until the meat is tender.
  3. Add the soft onesAdd the plantain and corn for the last half hour.
  4. FinishBrighten with sour orange or lime and serve with rice and avocado.
The Toolkit

Large pot · Tongs · Ladle

Straight Answers
Can you make Sancocho in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze Sancocho? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Sancocho ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Sancocho gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Sancocho vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

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