Guatemalan Wodzionka with a Tropical Twist

Ingredients

In the Guatemalan adaptation of Wodzionka, we incorporate tropical ingredients such as pineapple and black beans to infuse the dish with the flavors of Guatemala. Additionally, a touch of chili is added to give it a mild heat, adding a new dimension to the traditional Polish recipe. We alse have the original recipe for Wodzionka, so you can check it out.

• 4 cups (940ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (940ml) vegetable broth
• 4 slices of day-old bread, cubed 4 slices of day-old bread, cubed
• 1 cup (240ml) canned black beans, rinsed and drained 1 cup (240ml) canned black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup (240ml) fresh pineapple, diced 1 cup (240ml) fresh pineapple, 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 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 10g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
2. 2.
   Add the ground cumin and chili powder to the pot. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
3. 3.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer.
4. 4.
   Add the bread cubes, black beans, and diced pineapple to the pot. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
5. 5.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, until the bread has absorbed the flavors and softened.
6. 6.
   Serve the Guatemalan Wodzionka hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pineapple — Choose a ripe pineapple for the best flavor. If fresh pineapple is not available, you can use canned pineapple chunks in natural juice as a substitute.
• Black beans — If you prefer, you can cook dried black beans instead of using canned beans. Soak the beans overnight, then cook them until tender before adding them to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a finely chopped jalapeno pepper along with the red bell pepper.
• If you prefer a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the soup before adding the bread cubes.
• Serve the Guatemalan Wodzionka with a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of freshness.
• Customize the toppings by adding avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
• This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Guatemalan Wodzionka as a main course, accompanied by warm tortillas or crusty bread. It can also be served as a starter or a side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Guatemalan Wodzionka with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves to add a pop of color. Serve it in individual bowls, allowing the vibrant colors of the dish to shine through.