Honduran Cipaille

Ingredients

In the Honduran adaptation of Cipaille, we incorporate traditional Honduran spices and flavors to enhance the dish. The original Canadian Cipaille typically uses ingredients like beef, pork, and game meats, while the Honduran version may include chicken or a combination of meats commonly used in Honduran cuisine. Additionally, we infuse the filling with Honduran spices such as achiote, annatto, and cilantro, giving it a distinct Honduran flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Cipaille, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) chicken, diced 500g (1.1 lb) chicken, diced
• 500g (1.1 lb) beef, diced 500g (1.1 lb) beef, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 potatoes, diced 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon achiote paste 1 tablespoon achiote paste
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 sheets of puff pastry 2 sheets of puff pastry

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the chicken and beef to the skillet and cook until browned.
4. 4.
   Stir in the bell peppers, tomatoes, carrots, and potatoes. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
5. 5.
   In a small bowl, mix the achiote paste, cumin, coriander, and chicken broth. Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir well.
6. 6.
   Add the chopped cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   Line a baking dish with one sheet of puff pastry. Pour the meat and vegetable mixture into the dish.
8. 8.
   Cover the filling with the second sheet of puff pastry, sealing the edges.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Achiote paste — Achiote paste is a common ingredient in Honduran cuisine and can be found in Latin American grocery stores. If you can't find it, you can substitute it with annatto powder mixed with a bit of oil to form a paste-like consistency.
• Puff pastry — If you prefer a homemade crust, you can make your own puff pastry from scratch. However, store-bought puff pastry works perfectly fine and saves time.

Tips & Tricks

• To add an extra layer of flavor, marinate the diced chicken and beef in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and Honduran spices for a few hours before cooking.
• For a spicier version, add a diced jalapeno or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
• Serve the Honduran Cipaille with a side of pickled onions or a fresh tomato salsa for a burst of acidity.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for an equally delicious meal.
• Feel free to customize the filling by adding other vegetables such as peas, corn, or green beans.

Serving advice

Honduran Cipaille is best served warm, straight from the oven. Cut it into generous slices and serve it as a main course alongside a fresh green salad. The flaky crust and flavorful filling make it a satisfying and complete meal on its own.

Presentation advice

To present the Honduran Cipaille beautifully, place a slice on a plate and garnish it with a sprig of fresh cilantro. The golden crust and colorful layers of meat and vegetables will make an appetizing visual impact.