Juan Perdomo Las Terrenas Recipes

PAPPA AL POMODORO

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, fennel, and garlic and cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, until tender. Add the ciabatta cubes and cook for 5 more minutes. Place the tomatoes in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade and process just until coarsely chopped. Add the tomatoes to the pot along with the chicken stock, red wine, basil, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, lower the heat, and allow to simmer, partially covered, for 45 minutes.
• Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• For the topping, place the ciabatta cubes, pancetta, and basil on a sheet pan large enough to hold them in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss well. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes, until all the ingredients are crisp. The basil leaves will turn dark and crisp, which is perfectly fine. Reheat the soup, if necessary, beat with a wire whisk until the bread is broken up. Stir in the Parmesan and taste for seasoning. Serve hot sprinkled with the topping and drizzled with additional olive oil.

LIMA-BEAN SALAD WITH ROASTED POBLANOS AND QUESO FRESCO

Steps:

• Rinse beans, removing debris; transfer to a large bowl. Add cold water until covered by at least 2 inches. Refrigerate overnight.
• Drain; transfer beans to a large pot and add enough water to cover by 4 inches. Add yellow onion, carrot, and celery; bring to a simmer. Season generously with salt; reduce heat to medium-low and continue simmering until beans are tender but not falling apart, 40 to 50 minutes. Drain; transfer to a large bowl. Remove and discard vegetables. (Or, if not using immediately, let cool in liquid and refrigerate up to 5 days.)
• Place chiles over the flame of a gas burner or on a grill; roast, turning, until charred on all sides, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and cover with a plate; let cool slightly. When cool enough to handle, use a paring knife to remove charred skins. Remove stems and seeds; cut chiles into 1/2-inch pieces.
• In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar and oil. Drizzle over beans; add roasted chiles, red onion, cilantro, and tomatoes. Gently toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper, sprinkle with cheese, and serve.