Jocon De Pollo (Guatemalan Chicken With Tomatillo) Recipe: A Flavorful Delight
Jocon De Pollo is a beloved Guatemalan chicken dish that captures the essence of the country's culinary heritage. The recipe features succulent chicken pieces bathed in a vibrant green sauce made from tomatillos, fresh herbs, and spices. The result is a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients
To prepare Jocon De Pollo, you will need the following ingredients:
1. Chicken pieces (legs and thighs) - 2 pounds
2. Tomatillos - 1 pound
3. Fresh cilantro - 1 cup
4. Green bell pepper - 1
5. Garlic cloves - 4
6. Onion - 1 medium-sized
7. Green beans - 1 cup
8. Corn masa - 2 tablespoons
9. Chicken broth - 2 cups
10. Green olives - ½ cup
11. Salt - 1 teaspoon
12. Ground black pepper - ½ teaspoon
13. Ground cumin - ½ teaspoon
14. Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons
Instructions for Jocon De Pollo
Now that we have gathered the ingredients, let's dive into the step-by-step process of preparing Jocon De Pollo:
1: Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and cumin. Set aside and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2: Roast the tomatillos: Remove the husks from the tomatillos and rinse them under cold water. Place the tomatillos, green bell pepper, garlic cloves, and half of the onion on a baking sheet. Drizzle with oil and roast in the oven at 400°F for 20 minutes or until they are slightly charred.
3: Blend the sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted tomatillos, green bell pepper, garlic cloves, cilantro, and the remaining half of the onion. Blend until you achieve a smooth sauce consistency.
4: Cook the chicken: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until they are browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
5: Prepare the sauce: In the same pot, add the blended sauce and cook for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Dissolve the corn masa in chicken broth and add it to the pot. Stir well to combine.
6: Simmer the dish: Return the chicken pieces to the pot, along with the green beans and green olives. Cover the pot and let the dish simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
7: Serve and enjoy: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Serve Jocon De Pollo hot, accompanied by rice or warm tortillas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are tomatillos, and where can I find them?
Tomatillos are small, green fruits with a slightly tart flavor. They are often used in Mexican and Central American cuisine. You can find them in the produce section of most grocery stores or in local markets specializing in Latin American ingredients.
Q: Can I use boneless chicken for Jocon De Pollo?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken for this recipe. However, using bone-in chicken adds more flavor to the dish.
Q: Is Jocon De Pollo a spicy dish?
Jocon De Pollo is typically not a spicy dish. However, if you prefer a bit of heat, you can add a chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper to the sauce.