Recipe: Easy Crockpot Pochero

Pochero

Image © 2009 Celeste Heiter

This recipe has all the elements of a classic Philippine Pochero, the ubiquitous chorizo and vegetable stew, but with a really simple preparation technique. Once the meat and vegetables are prepped, they go into a skillet for a quick browning, and then into a crockpot for a set-it-and-forget-it main dish. The result: A spicy, savory meat and vegetable infusion so tasty I went back for a second helping.

Easy Crockpot Pochero

1 tablespoon vegetable oil½ pound lean beef, cut into 1" pieces½ pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1" pieces½ pound chorizo sausages, cut into 1" pieces4 cloves garlic, crushed1 onion, coarsely chopped2 cups chicken stock2 tomatoes, coarsely chopped¼ cup tomato paste2 bay leavesSalt and pepper to taste2 potatoes, coarsely chopped1 cup green beans, cut into 1" pieces1 small can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained

Heat oil in a large wok or skillet, add meats, onion and garlic and stir-fry until lightly browned. Stir in chicken stock, tomatoes, and tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper, and add bay leaves. Transfer to a crockpot on low setting. Simmer for 3 hours. Add potatoes, green beans and chickpeas and continue simmering for 1 hour. Serve with steamed rice. Serves 4.