Mancha Manteles - Mexican Spicy Fruit and Meat Stew

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) pork shoulder, cubed 500g (1.1 lb) pork shoulder, cubed
• 500g (1.1 lb) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless 500g (1.1 lb) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
• 1 cup (240ml) pineapple juice 1 cup (240ml) pineapple juice
• 1 cup (240ml) orange juice 1 cup (240ml) orange juice
• 1 cup (240ml) water 1 cup (240ml) water
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 cloves 3 cloves
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 plantains, peeled and sliced 2 plantains, peeled and sliced
• 1 apple, peeled and diced 1 apple, peeled and diced
• 1 cup (150g) pineapple chunks 1 cup (150g) pineapple chunks
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 20g
• Protein: 38g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the pork and chicken to the pot, and cook until browned on all sides.
3. 3.
   Stir in the chipotle peppers, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, beef broth, pineapple juice, orange juice, and water.
4. 4.
   Add the cinnamon stick, cloves, cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 1 hour, or until the meats are tender.
6. 6.
   Add the sliced plantains, diced apple, and pineapple chunks to the pot. Simmer for an additional 15 minutes, or until the fruits are soft and the flavors have melded together.
7. 7.
   Adjust the seasoning if needed, and remove the cinnamon stick and cloves before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Plantains — Make sure to use ripe plantains for a sweeter flavor and softer texture. If you can't find plantains, you can substitute with ripe bananas.
• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce — Adjust the amount according to your spice preference. If you prefer a milder stew, reduce the amount or omit them altogether.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the meats in a mixture of orange juice, garlic, and spices for a few hours before cooking.
• Serve the Mancha Manteles with a side of warm tortillas or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the cooked fruits and meats with a fork before serving.
• Feel free to add your favorite seasonal fruits to the stew for a unique twist.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Serving advice

Serve the Mancha Manteles in deep bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Accompany it with warm tortillas or rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, arrange some sliced pineapple and plantain chips on top of the stew. Sprinkle a pinch of paprika and a few cilantro leaves for a pop of color.