Panamanian Sancocho de Gallina

Ingredients

 * 1 x 4 – 5 lb stewing hen, cleaned, dressed and cut up
 * 1 large onion
 * 2 ripe tomatoes
 * 2 green peppers
 * 4 garlic cloves, mashed
 * 4 quarts cold water
 * 1 lb yucca
 * 2 medium size otoes
 * 1 lb ñame
 * 3 green plantains
 * ½ lb zapallo (pumpkin)
 * 3 ears of tender corn
 * 1 lb potatoes
 * salt and pepper
 * coriander and parsley

Directions

 * 1) Place the cut-up hen in the cold water with the herbs and salt and pepper and cook slowly until the hen is tender.
 * 2) While it is cooking, chop the onion, tomatoes, peppers.
 * 3) And add to the pot with the garlic.
 * 4) Cut the corn and plantains in 1½-inch pieces and add.
 * 5) Then chop the remaining vegetables (not too small) and add.
 * 6) Continue cooking until all the vegetables are tender.
 * 7) Season to taste.
 * 8) For a little more zip, add a bit of hot pepper.
 * 9) Serve in large soup dishes.

Variation

 * 1) For meat sancocho use 2 pounds of beef brisket or flank steak (cut-up) and increase the quantity of vegetables.