Guacho

Guacho

Guacho (GWAH-choh)

Thick Seafood Rice Stew

Prep Time 20 min
📈 Difficulty Medium
👥 Servings
6
🔥 Calories 430 kcal

A thick, soupy rice dish loaded with seafood, cooked in coconut milk and sofrito until creamy and rich — Panama's coastal comfort food.

Nutrition & Info

440 kcal per serving
Protein 28.0g
Carbs 48.0g
Fat 14.0g
Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

gluten-free nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ shellfish ⚠ fish

Equipment Needed

large heavy pot wooden spoon ladle

Presentation Guide

Vessel: deep bowl

Garnishes: cilantro, lime wedges

Accompaniments: patacones, hot sauce

Instructions

  1. 1

    Sauté onion, garlic, bell pepper, and tomatoes with cumin and annatto until softened.

  2. 2

    Add rice, stir 1 min to toast. Pour in coconut milk and broth.

  3. 3

    Bring to a boil, reduce to medium. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 15 min.

  4. 4

    When rice is nearly done and mixture is thick and porridge-like, add fish. Cook 3 min.

  5. 5

    Add shrimp, cook 3 more min until pink. The consistency should be between soup and risotto.

  6. 6

    Season with salt and pepper. Serve in deep bowls with cilantro.

💡

Did You Know?

The name guacho comes from "aguachoso" meaning watery — but a well-made guacho is anything but watery, it is thick and deeply flavorful.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • large heavy pot
  • wooden spoon
  • ladle

Garnishing

cilantro, lime wedges

Accompaniments

patacones, hot sauce

The Story Behind Guacho

Guacho emerged from the Caribbean coast of Panama where Afro-Antillean cooks merged African rice porridge techniques with local seafood abundance. Unlike dry rice dishes, guacho is intentionally soupy and creamy from coconut milk. Each coastal town claims its version as definitive, with variations based on available catch.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed lunch 📜 Origins: Afro-Caribbean coastal tradition

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