Locro Food

LOCRO

Steps:

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and saute, stirring occasionally, for 7 to 8 minutes, or until slightly golden. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until it has released its aroma. Add the squash, tomatoes, oregano, salt, pepper, and water. Stir to mix and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 25 minutes, or until the squash is almost but not quite tender. While the stew is cooking, prepare the sliced corn for the garnish. Bring a large skillet of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the sliced corn and bring back to the boil, then remove from the heat and let sit in the water for 2 minutes, then drain well. In a medium skillet, heat the butter over medium high heat. Add the cayenne, stir to mix and add the corn slices. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, until slightly crisped and colored by the cayenne. Add the lime juice and turn the disks so that they are evenly coated. Remove from the heat and set aside. Stir the corn kernels and peas into the stew, cover the pan and cook for 5 minutes more. Taste for seasoning and serve, garnished with the sauteed corn slices.

LOCRO (ECUADORIAN POTATO-CHEESE SOUP)

Steps:

• Heat the oil or butter over medium flame in a large pot. Add the onion and garlic and simmer until the onion is translucent.
• Stir in the potatoes, water or stock, milk, salt and pepper and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to low and simmer until potatoes are falling apart, 30-45 minutes.
• Mash the potatoes up a bit with the back of a spoon to thicken the soup, leaving it a little chunky.
• Remove the soup from heat and stir in the cheese.
• Adjust seasoning and serve immediately.
• *Variations:.
• A handful of corn kernels is often added to this soup. Use about 1 cup and add after the soup has simmered for about 20-30 minutes.
• Chopped avocado is often used as a garnish.