Name: Vegan Sancocho: Heartwarming Latin American Hearty Stew Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: 16 oz potatoes, peeled and chopped; 1 cup vegan chicken, chopped; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 corn cobs, cooked and chopped into 3 parts; 6 scallions, chopped; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 medium tomato, chopped; 1/2 lime, juiced; 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 1 review

If you are looking to cozy up with a bowl that feels like a warm hug, look no further than this Vegan Sancocho: Heartwarming Latin American Hearty Stew Recipe. Sancocho has long been a beloved comfort stew across Latin America, traditionally brimming with meats and fresh vegetables. But this vegan version does not fall short one bit—it’s packed with tender potatoes, sweet corn, vibrant tomatoes, and a shimmering broth infused with fresh herbs and spices. Each spoonful is a celebration of flavor and tradition, proving that hearty stews can be just as nourishing and soul-satisfying without animal products. Let me take you through this recipe that’s as heartwarming as it is delicious!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden surface with several bowls and fresh ingredients arranged neatly. One white bowl holds multiple small red potatoes, showing smooth skins and round shapes. Another white bowl contains many light beige strips, likely cooked or shredded meat, placed loosely. Next to them, two ears of bright yellow corn rest on a white bowl, their rows of kernels clearly visible. A bright red tomato and a green lime sit nearby on the wooden surface. There are also fresh green onions with long green stalks and white bulbs lying horizontally. A small white bowl contains a brown powder spice, and a green cube seasoning is positioned near the bowls. In the background, some green herbs and garlic cloves add color and texture. The surface is wood, but change it to a white marbled texture for the prompt. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe keeps things refreshingly simple, relying on a handful of key ingredients that bring both authentic taste and vivid textures. Every ingredient plays an essential role, from the creamy potatoes that provide body to the crisp corn adding bursts of sweetness and color. Here’s what you’ll need:

16 oz potatoes, peeled and chopped: The backbone of the stew, offering a soft and hearty texture that soaks up all the flavors perfectly.
1 cup vegan chicken, chopped: Adds a savory, satisfying protein element and a touch of chewiness reminiscent of traditional sancocho.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided: For sautéing ingredients to deepen flavors and keep the stew rich.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a warm, aromatic base that infuses every bite.
2 corn cobs, cooked and chopped: Sweetness and crunch that brighten the stew’s profile beautifully.
6 scallions, chopped: Freshness and a mild onion flavor that builds dimensionality.
4 cups vegetable broth: The stew’s comforting liquid foundation, tying all the ingredients together with depth.
1 teaspoon cumin: Adds earthiness and a subtle smoky warmth, a signature spice in Latin American cooking.
1 medium tomato, chopped: Juicy acidity that balances the richness and colors the broth a lovely red.
1/2 lime, juiced: Delivers a tangy brightness as a finishing touch, elevating all the flavors.
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped: Fresh, zesty herb notes that bring vibrancy and authenticity.
Salt and pepper to taste: To season perfectly and enhance every ingredient’s natural goodness.

How to Make Vegan Sancocho: Heartwarming Latin American Hearty Stew Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Vegan Chicken

Begin by heating half of the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped vegan chicken and cook until it develops a golden-brown crust, enhancing its flavor and texture. Once done, transfer it to a plate and set aside. This step ensures your vegan chicken is full of savory goodness and ready to shine in the stew.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Using the remaining oil, toss in the minced garlic and chopped scallions. Stir them gently until fragrant — you want the kitchen to fill with that comforting aroma! This creates a flavorful base that will coat the potatoes and infuse the broth with a lovely depth.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth

Now add the chopped potatoes to the pot, stirring them so they can soak up the aromatic oil and flavors. Pour in the vegetable broth, bringing everything to a lively simmer. The potatoes will start to soften and thicken the stew naturally, developing that heartwarming texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Corn, Cumin, and Tomato

Once your broth is simmering, mix in the cooked corn pieces, cumin, and chopped tomato. Stir everything together and keep the heat at medium-high. This combination introduces sweetness, warmth, and vibrant acidity that perfectly balance the dish’s rich broth.

Step 5: Simmer and Finish with Fresh Herbs

Simmer your sancocho gently for 15 to 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender but still hold their shape. Once ready, squeeze in fresh lime juice and sprinkle the cilantro on top just before serving. These fresh ingredients brighten the stew and add that signature Latin American zest.

How to Serve Vegan Sancocho: Heartwarming Latin American Hearty Stew Recipe

A black pot filled with a clear broth soup containing five bright yellow corn cob pieces placed evenly on top, surrounded by small potato chunks, green vegetable pieces, and bits of meat in the soup. Two lime slices float beside the corn on the upper right side. Fresh green cilantro leaves are sprinkled generously over the center of the soup. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your Vegan Sancocho: Heartwarming Latin American Hearty Stew Recipe truly special, garnish it with extra chopped cilantro or a wedge of lime on the side. Some sliced avocado or a dash of smoked paprika also pairs beautifully to add creaminess or smoky notes respectively.

Side Dishes

This stew is a one-pot wonder but pairs splendidly with warm corn tortillas or fluffy white rice. The rice is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the flavorful broth, while tortillas make for heartfelt, hands-on eating that adds a rustic charm.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun family-style meal, serve the stew in a big colorful clay pot or a rustic cast-iron crock. You can also invite everyone to customize their bowls with toppings like sliced radishes, finely chopped onions, or even a spicy vegan hot sauce. Presentation is all about inviting warmth and togetherness with every spoonful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover sancocho in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making the stew even more satisfying the next day.

Freezing

This stew freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Warm leftover sancocho gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You may want to add a splash of vegetable broth or water if it’s gotten too thick after refrigeration or freezing. Reheating slowly preserves the fresh flavors and hearty texture you love.

FAQs

Can I use different vegetables in this Vegan Sancocho: Heartwarming Latin American Hearty Stew Recipe?

Absolutely! While this recipe highlights traditional ingredients like potatoes and corn, feel free to add yuca, plantains, or carrots for additional texture and flavor. Just adjust cooking times accordingly so everything becomes tender and delicious.

Is this stew spicy?

No, this recipe keeps to mild and comforting flavors perfect for all palates. However, if you love heat, adding chopped chili peppers or a splash of your favorite hot sauce at the end is an easy way to customize the spice level.

What can I use instead of vegan chicken?

If you don’t have vegan chicken, you can substitute with firm tofu, tempeh, or even chickpeas for protein. Each will absorb the broth’s flavors beautifully to keep your sancocho hearty and satisfying.

Can I make this recipe oil-free?

Yes! You can skip the vegetable oil and sauté the garlic and scallions with a bit of vegetable broth or water instead. Just be mindful that the stew might have a slightly lighter mouthfeel but will still be delicious.

How do I make this stew gluten-free?

This Vegan Sancocho is naturally gluten-free as long as your vegan chicken and vegetable broth are certified gluten-free. Always double-check ingredient labels if you are cooking for someone with gluten sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to dive into this Vegan Sancocho: Heartwarming Latin American Hearty Stew Recipe and bring a little Latin American warmth to your table. It’s a beautiful, vibrant dish that embraces comfort food traditions while keeping things plant-based, easy, and downright delicious. Once you try it, this stew might just become one of your favorite go-to meals for both busy weeknights and those moments when you need a nurturing bowl of love. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!

Vegan Sancocho: Heartwarming Latin American Hearty Stew Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need