Tropical Yuca and Plantain Stew with Achiote
A hearty stew featuring starchy yuca and sweet plantains simmered in a spiced achiote broth, inspired by Bolivia’s tropical lowlands. This latin american-inspired soups (vegan) ready in about 60 minutes pairs medium, chopped onion, minced garlic cloves, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups yuca (cassava), peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 medium ripe plantains, peeled and sliced
- 1 medium, chopped onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp achiote powder
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned)
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped for garnish fresh cilantro
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 tbsp achiote powder and cook for 1 minute until the oil turns a vibrant orange-red and releases a warm aroma.
- Step 3: Add 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth, 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, and bring to a simmer.
- Step 4: Add 2 cups peeled and cut yuca pieces and 2 sliced ripe plantains to the pot. Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Cover and simmer the stew gently for 30-40 minutes until the yuca is tender and plantains have softened, stirring occasionally.
- Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tropical Yuca and Plantain Stew with Achiote take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Tropical Yuca and Plantain Stew with Achiote?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium, chopped onion from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tropical Yuca and Plantain Stew with Achiote?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Tropical Yuca and Plantain Stew with Achiote for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Tropical Yuca and Plantain Stew with Achiote vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
