Venezuelan Sancocho

Authentic Venezulan Venezuelan Sancocho — a delicious beef dish with 17 ingredients. Follow our detailed step-by-step instructions for the perfect result.

Hard
Updated March 14, 2026

20

Prep Time (min)

30

Cook Time (min)

4

servings

500

Calories/serving

Hard

Difficulty

Venezuelan Sancocho

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 2 Lbs Hind Shank
  • 2 small Onion
  • 1 Pepper
  • 4 Cloves Chopped Garlic
  • 4 Cloves Crushed Garlic
  • 1 Leek
  • 8 cups Beef Stock
  • 1 cup Sweet Red Peppers
  • 1 cup Scallions
  • 2 Sweetcorn
  • 1 lb Cassaba
  • 1 lb Yautia
  • 1 lb White Yam
  • 1 lb Butternut Squash
  • To taste Salt
  • To taste Pepper
  • Chopped Cilantro

Instructions

6 steps · ~60 minutes total

  1. Step 1

    Add hind shank, 1 halved small onion, halved bell pepper, 4 whole garlic cloves, the dark green leaves of the leek, and stock to a large stockpot. Cook for 45-60 minutes until the meat is fork-tender. NOTE: the meat can take a bit longer to be fork-tender; that is okay, just add more cooking time if necessary.

    10 minutes
    Taste as you go and adjust seasoning gradually — you can always add more but can't take it away.
  2. Step 2

    When the meat is tender, remove the big pieces of vegetables and bones. Discard.

    3 minutes
  3. Step 3

    Add diced onion, 2 minced garlic, mini sweet peppers, sliced leeks (light green part), scallions, yucca, and corn; Mix and simmer covered over medium heat for 5- 8 minutes, until the yucca is starting to soften. NOTE: the yuca can take a bit longer to start softening; that is okay, just add more cooking time if necessary.

    15 minutes
    Keep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.
  4. Step 4

    Add yautia, white yam, and butternut squash. Mix to combine. Simmer covered over medium heat for 5 – 6 minutes, until all the root vegetables are tender. NOTE: Do not cook too much, or they will fall apart.

    15 minutes
    Keep the heat low — gentle bubbles, not a rolling boil.
  5. Step 5

    Taste and add salt to your taste, if necessary. Add cilantro and the remaining 2 minced garlic cloves. Mix and let simmer for 2 more minutes.

    15 minutes
    Keep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.
  6. Step 6

    Serve hot in large soup bowls, dividing the meat and vegetables evenly. Add a squish of lime juice and/or hot sauce, if desired. Serve along with arepas and or casabe (cassava bread).

    2 minutes
    Warm your serving plates in the oven briefly for a restaurant-quality touch.

💡 Tips & Tricks

This Venezulan recipe for Venezuelan Sancocho is best served fresh. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

🔄 Variations

• Protein swap: Try substituting the main protein with chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a different take on this dish. • Spice level: Adjust the heat to your preference — add more chili for extra kick, or reduce it for a milder version. • Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based protein. • Fusion twist: Combine elements of Colombian cuisine with your local favorites for a creative fusion dish.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your colombian meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed rice or crusty bread
🍽️A fresh green salad
🍽️Seasonal roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Venezuelan Sancocho is a beloved dish from Colombian cuisine, originating in Colombia. With a total preparation time of about 50 minutes, it makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Colombian cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions that reflect the culture and history of the region. This dish is a wonderful example of its distinctive culinary heritage.

This recipe is rated hard difficulty and uses 17 ingredients. Experienced cooks will appreciate the technique involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

For authentic Venezuelan Sancocho, use cuts like chuck roast or shank, which provide rich flavor and tenderness when slow-cooked.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories500kcal
Total Fat23g
Sodium535mg
Total Carbohydrates55g
Dietary Fiber3g
Protein60g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineColombian
CategoryDinner
CountryColombia