Hilachas, translated to threads in English, is a traditional dish from Guatemala. Hilaches is similar to beef stew, consisting of shredded meat, potatoes, carrots and a tomato-based spiced stew. The dish is affordable to make, which is why my grandmother often made it for my mother and her siblings. Hilachas is very similar to other dishes from Latin America, such as ropa vieja, which translates to old clothes, from Cuba. Through my Mamita Luga, the recipe was shared among her children to teach the future generations just as she was taught how to make and enjoy hilachas. The dish is a staple within my family, and my Tia Mabi cooks it for everyone’s birthday For dessert, we typically eat platanos after a meal. Platanos are fried plantains, similar to bananas but sweeter. If you have a sweet tooth, it is common to add sugar on top. Otherwise, it is typically accompanied by “queso” and “crema.” Overall, the savoriness of the hilachas followed by the sweet and soft platanos makes for a perfect traditional Guatemalan dish.

La Receta de mi Abuela:

*This recipe serves about 8 people*

You will need

3 tomatoes

3 tomatillos

Half of a red chili pepper

One chile guajillo (dried Mexican chili pepper)

One medium sized onion

7 garlic cloves

1 pound of carne de res para

desebrar (beef meant to shred)

3 bay leaves

Thyme

Garlic salt

Salt

Chicken bullion

Potatoes (optional)

Carrots (optional)

First,

•Fill up your pot about half way and add your beef, 3 bay leaves, a sprig of thyme, 4 garlic cloves, an onion, salt and season to your desired amount Cook the beef for one and a half hours

•Once the beef is fork tender, you can remove from pot to shred

•Shred the beef with two forks until the meat looks like threads

For the stew:

In a separate pot,

•Fill up the pot with water ? of the way

•Add in the rest of the vegetables into

the pot and boil until fully cooked

•(You will know it is fully cooked when tomato skin starts to peel) Once the vegetables are done boiling, put them in a blender with about a cup of the same water Once blended, pour into a pot

Final steps:

Add the shredded meat into the stew and let it simmer on low for 30

minutes *If you choose to add potatoes and carrots, boil them separately and add them to simmering stew* When you have completed these steps, the hilachas are ready to enjoy! You can plate them with a side of rice or tortillas.

Receta Para Platanos:

•Purchase a yellow to black plantain for a sweeter taste

•Cut to the shape and length to your desire

•Add oil to a pan and fry until golden brown

•Let it cool down and enjoy with queso, crema, sugar or plain