Asopao is a family ofstews[1][2] that can be made with chicken, pork, beef, shrimp seafood, vegetables, or any combination of the above. Asopao is Puerto Rico's national soup and one of the best known gastronomic recipes in Puerto Rico.[3][4][5]
Versions ofasopao are found in manyCaribbean locales, including theDominican Republic, where the addition ofchicharrones de pollo (small bits of fried chicken or chicken skin) is characteristic or coconut milk and shrimp.[1]
A version said to be based on theSpanish rice disharroz a la valenciana includes chicken, rabbit and a variety of seafood cooked in sherry wine.
The chicken version (asopao de pollo) is usually served withplantaindumplings. It is a common holiday dish forChristmas, and duringOctavitas andLos Tres Reyes Magos celebrations.[6]Asopao de pollo can also include beer, smoked ham, ham hock, corn on the cob with more smoky seasoning, cumin, annatto and coriander seeds.
Asopao de marisco includes clams, shrimp, squid, octopus, fish, lobster, crab, scallops, and mussels.
Asopao de gandules replaces rice withpigeon peas.[7] The meat is usually a mix oflonganiza, oxtail, andsmoked meats; when done, roasted pork is placed on top of the soup. Squash and plantain dumplings are often included in the soup.
The plantain dumplings that are popular with asopao de pollo and asopao de gandules are made fromroot vegetables,breadfruit, green banana, plantains, milk, eggs and rice flour or cornmeal. The dumplings are made into golf-sized balls and often seasoned with spices and herbs. They can be prepared a day in advance and fried.[8][9]
Asopao is typically flavored with wine, broth, bay leaf and oregano, along withsofrito, olives, and capers; rice is the most important part. The stew is garnished with sweet peas and served withmojito isleño, bread,tostones and avocado.
Asopao is mentioned in "Caribbean Conspiracy" byBrenda Conrad, about a story that takes place in Puerto Rico which was published in 1942[10] and printed as a weekly series in dozens of U.S. newspapers in 1943.
Asopao is revealed as Dr. Hugh Culber's favorite dish in Season 2 Episode 8 ofStar Trek: Discovery.[11]
Asopao is made by the Puerto Rican sisters in the CW showCharmed.
Asopao de pollo, the chicken and rice prepared with sherry wine in Puerto Rico, is, in my opinion, the most pleasing gastronomic delight of the entire West Indies.
Defining asopao, the quintessential comfort food from Puerto Rico, can be tricky.