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Antigua (Guatemala)
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Main course
Meat
Food Flavour DNA
Nutritional Values
650kcal
50gProtein
40gCarbs
35gFat
5gFibre
420 gServing
* Per serving · 420 g. May vary.
Hilachas
How to order / say it
Say it
Hilachas — [hee-lah-chahs]
Order
I'd like Hilachas, please.
Locally
Quisiera hilachas, por favor.
Say locally
A comforting stew of shredded beef.
Why try it?
Hilachas is a beloved part of Antigua's culinary identity, showcasing the comfort and warmth of traditional Guatemalan meals. The dish highlights the use of simple ingredients elevated through rich flavors and slow cooking.
How it tastes
The tender beef absorbs the rich, tangy flavors of the tomato-based sauce, creating a hearty dish that is both savory and satisfying. It is served with rice or tortillas, adding a wholesome texture.
Origin & History — first documented: 1880
Dating back to the 19th century, Hilachas was created by utilizing leftover cuts of beef, transforming them into a meal that has since become a family favorite across generations in Antigua.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 🥩 500 g beef brisket
- 🥕 300 g potatoes
- 🥕 200 g tomatoes
- 🥕 150 g green beans
- 🧄 100 g onion
- 🧄 20 g garlic
- 🌿 5 g bay leaves
- 🧂 10 g cumin
Method
- 1 Boil beef until tender, then shred.
- 2 Sauté onions, garlic, and tomatoes to create a sauce.
- 3 Add beef, potatoes, and green beans to the sauce and simmer.
- 4 Serve hot with rice or tortillas.
More from Antigua
© Wikimedia Commons
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peh-pee-ahn deh po-yoh
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chee-les rey-yen-os
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Snack
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Rellenitos de Plátano
reh-yeh-nee-toes deh plah-tah-no
Sweet plantain fritters stuffed with beans.