Sancocho (Panamanian Chicken Soup)

Panama''s national soup — chicken with root vegetables, corn, and cilantro.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks)
• 2 ears corn, cut into 2" pieces
• 2 potatoes, cubed
• 1 yuca (cassava), peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 bunch cilantro (stems and leaves separated)
• 1 tsp oregano
• Salt, pepper
• Lime wedges, hot sauce

Method

1. Combine chicken, onion, garlic, cilantro stems, oregano in a pot with 8 cups water.

2. Bring to a simmer, skim scum. Cook 20 min.

3. Add corn, potatoes, yuca. Simmer 20 min until vegetables are tender.

4. Season with salt and pepper. Add cilantro leaves.

5. Serve with lime wedges and hot sauce.

What You're Practicing

• Sancocho is the ultimate comfort soup across Latin America — every country has its version.
• Yuca (cassava) adds a starchy, slightly sweet element that potatoes alone can''t provide.