Baho
NicaraguanLunch

Recipe Story

origins & traditions

Baho is a traditional meal from Nicaragua that showcases the country's love for slow-cooked, layered dishes. This dish combines marinated beef with starchy yuca and sweet plantains, all wrapped in banana leaves and steamed together until incredibly tender. The banana leaves impart a subtle earthy aroma while keeping everything moist. Typically served with a fresh cabbage curtido salad on the side, Baho represents the essence of home cooking and family gatherings. The name comes from the steam that rises during cooking, creating a communal experience as the aromatic package is unwrapped at the table. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory meat, creamy yuca, and caramelized plantains, all infused with citrus and spice notes from the marinade.

Instructions

step by step
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  1. Cut the beef into large chunks and place in a bowl. In a separate bowl, combine minced garlic, cumin, oregano, black pepper, salt, orange juice, and vinegar to create a marinade. Pour the marinade over the beef, coating all pieces thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results. Peel the yuca and cut into 3-inch sections, removing the fibrous core. Peel the plantains and cut each into 3 pieces. Prepare banana leaves by passing them briefly over an open flame or hot burner to make them pliable. Line the bottom of a large stockpot with several layers of banana leaves. Add half the marinated beef pieces. Layer half the yuca pieces over the beef. Add half the plantain pieces. Season lightly with salt. Repeat the layers with remaining beef, yuca, and plantains. Pour any remaining marinade over the top. Cover everything with more banana leaves, tucking them around the edges. Add about 2 cups of water to the pot, pouring it along the sides. Cover the pot tightly with a lid. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low. Steam for 2.5 to 3 hours, checking occasionally to ensure there is still liquid in the pot. Add more water if needed, pouring along the sides. The baho is ready when the beef is fork-tender and the yuca is soft. While the baho steams, prepare curtido by finely shredding cabbage, mixing with vinegar, salt, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit at room temperature. Carefully remove the top banana leaves. Serve baho hot, placing portions of beef, yuca, and plantain on each plate. Top with cabbage curtido and serve immediately.

Baho

4.6 (55)

A hearty one-pot meal featuring tender beef, yuca, and plantains steamed in banana leaves, creating layers of rich flavors that blend beautifully in this beloved comfort dish.

medium
3h
6 servings

Ingredients

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Main

  • 1000 grams beef-steak, cut into large chunks
  • 3 pieces plantain, peeled and cut into thirds

Marinade

  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons cumin, ground
  • 1 teaspoons oregano, dried
  • 2 pieces orange, juiced
  • 3 tablespoons vinegar-white

Seasoning

  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoons black-pepper, freshly ground

Curtido

  • 4 cups cabbage, finely shredded

Chef Tips

expert advice
The key to authentic baho is the overnight marination, which allows the citrus and spices to deeply penetrate the meat.
If banana leaves are unavailable, you can substitute with parchment paper, though the authentic flavor will be slightly different.
Some families add tomatoes or bell peppers to the layers for extra flavor.
The curtido salad provides essential brightness and acidity to balance the rich, starchy components.
For a spicier version, add sliced jalapeños to the marinade.
The yuca should be very tender but not falling apart.
Check for doneness by piercing with a fork.
If your yuca has a lot of fibrous core, remove it generously as it can be tough.
Leftover baho actually improves in flavor the next day.
Traditional accompaniments include fresh tortillas and a squeeze of lime juice over everything just before eating.