AI GeneratedCulinary Journeys · Ecuadorian
Ecuadorian Encebollado: Tuna & Yuca Soup
A comforting, tangy delight from the coastlines of Ecuador.
Encebollado is a beloved dish in Ecuador, offering a hearty combination of tender tuna, rich yuca, and zesty lime, all crowned with tangy pickled onions. Perfect for a soothing lunch, this soup brings together the warmth of Latin American flavors with a touch of seafood brilliance.
Prep
20 min
Cook
40 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Intermediate
Ingredients
Main Soup
- 500g fresh tuna steak
- 500g yuca, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp cumin powder
- 1 tbsp achiote (annatto) powder
- 2 liters fish or chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pickled Onions
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- Juice of 3 limes
- 1 tsp salt
Garnish
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
Method
- 1
Prepare the Pickled Onions
In a bowl, combine the sliced red onion, lime juice, and salt. Mix well and let sit for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
- 2
Cook the Yuca
In a large pot, bring the broth to a boil. Add the yuca chunks and cook for 20 minutes or until tender. Remove the yuca with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- 3
Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, add a splash of oil and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent. Stir in the cumin and achiote powder, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- 4
Simmer the Soup
Return the cooked yuca to the pot. Add the tuna, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, allowing the tuna to cook through and the flavors to develop.
- 5
Serve
Remove the bay leaves. Ladle the soup into bowls, topping with pickled red onions and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Origin story
Encebollado is more than just a soup in Ecuador—it's a cultural icon enjoyed from the bustling coastlines to the highland cities. Traditionally served for breakfast or lunch, it's said to be a perfect cure for a hangover, bringing families and friends together around its steaming, aromatic bowls.
