Dominican FoodDominican Creole Pumpkin, Sofrito Chicken and Gratinated Cassava Flatbread Lasagna
An original recipe inspired by Dominican flavors: layers of roasted and mashed pumpkin, sofrito-braised chicken, cassava flatbread sheets softened in broth, and an oregano cheese topping. Comforting, juicy, and full of Caribbean character.
Ingredients
- 700 g boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut en trozos small)
- 900 g pumpkin (pelada and diced)
- 240 g cassava flatbread (en pieces for formar capas)
- 150 g red onion (chopped)
- 90 g sweet peppers (chopped)
- 15 g garlic (majado or chopped fino)
- 30 g tomato paste
- 500 ml chicken broth (divided)
- 240 ml evaporated milk
- 180 g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 35 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 28 g butter
- 30 ml vegetable oil
- 3 g dried oregano
- 15 g fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 60 ml sour orange juice (or mezcla of orange and lima)
- 8 g salt (or to taste)
- 2 g black pepper (or to taste)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 400 °F / 200 °C. Place the pumpkin on a baking tray and toss with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Roast for 25 minutes, until very tender.
- 2
While the pumpkin roasts, season the chicken with the sour orange juice, dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
- 3
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the red onion and sweet peppers for 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- 4
Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring, until it changes color and starts to brown. Stir in the tomato paste and 250 ml / 1 cup chicken broth. Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, until the chicken is juicy and the sauce thickens slightly. Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh cilantro.
- 5
Transfer the roasted pumpkin to a large bowl. Add the butter, evaporated milk, and 60 ml / 1/4 cup of the remaining chicken broth. Mash until thick and smooth. Adjust with a little more salt if needed.
- 6
Pour the remaining 190 ml / 3/4 cup chicken broth into a wide dish or container. Dip the cassava flatbread pieces into the broth for just a few seconds so they soften without falling apart.
- 7
Lower the oven temperature to 375 °F / 190 °C. In a baking dish about 33 x 23 cm / 13 x 9 inches, spread a thin layer of pumpkin mash. Add a layer of softened cassava flatbread, then half of the sofrito chicken, another layer of pumpkin mash, and part of the mozzarella.
- 8
Repeat with another layer of cassava flatbread, the remaining chicken, and the rest of the pumpkin mash. Finish with a final light layer of cassava flatbread, the remaining mozzarella, and the Parmesan on top.
- 9
Bake the lasagna for 20 minutes at 375 °F / 190 °C. Then broil for 3 to 5 more minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
- 10
Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving so the layers can set properly.
Chef tips
If you want cleaner slices, let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes. The cassava flatbread should be moistened quickly; if left too long in the broth, it may break apart.
Substitutions
You can use chicken breast instead of thighs. Mozzarella can be replaced with any good melting semi-firm cheese. If you do not have sour orange, use half orange juice and half lime juice.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
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