Fanesca

Fanesca
Ecuador
⏱ — min. Serves: —

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) salted codfish, soaked and shredded
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 cup green beans, chopped
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 cup squash, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup peas
  • 1 cup rice
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup cream
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon annatto (achiote) powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Hard-boiled eggs, for garnish
  • Fried plantains, for garnish
  • Avocado slices, for garnish
  • Capers, for garnish
  • Pickled red onions, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Salted Cod

Soak the salted cod in water for at least 24 hours, changing the water several times. Drain and shred the cod into bite-sized pieces.

Cook the Base

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add Vegetables and Cod

Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, annatto powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, and turmeric. Cook for 2 minutes.

Add the shredded cod and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors.

Simmer the Soup

Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.

Add the green beans, corn kernels, squash, peas, and rice. Continue to simmer until the vegetables and rice are cooked, about 20 minutes.

Finish the Soup

Stir in the milk and cream, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Stir in the chopped cilantro and parsley.

Serve

Ladle the Fanesca into bowls and garnish with slices of hard-boiled eggs, fried plantains, avocado slices, capers, and pickled red onions.

Enjoy your meal!