Chef Yani Sanchez of Bar Takito in the West Loop joins WGN Weekend Morning News to share her recipe for Arepa Benedict.
Sanchez was born and raised in Toluca, Mexico and studied at the Culinary Institute of Mexico. She later underwent training in Paris and now holds the Consulting Executive Chef role with Takito Brand restuarants and Mercado Cocina Cantina in Glenview.
AREPA BENEDICT
Primary components:
1 arepa3 oz. of Mojo pork1 ea. poached egg2 oz. chipotle sauce
AREPA
1 cup of pan flour1 large egg8 oz. unsalted butter1.5 tbsp. salt1.5 cups milkGarlic Mojo sauce (Rick Bayless brand widely available)Grated Manchego cheese
DIRECTIONS:
In a bowl, place all ingredients and mix well. Once you have the desired consistency, make a sphere shape and add de mojo and cheese. Flatten into a patty and pan fry until brown and crispy on outside. Set aside.
MOJO PORK
INGREDIENTS:
1 lb. pork shoulder1 tbsp. kosher salt1 tbsp. paprika1/3 tbsp. fish sauce1 tbsp. orange zest1/2 cup lime juice1/2 cup orange juice1 tbsp. oregano1.5 tbsp. chopped garlic2 tbsp. olive oil1 tbsp. ground cumin1 tbsp. black pepper
DIRECTIONS:
In a large bowl, mix salt and pepper and season meat with mixture, then set aside.In food processor, place juices, zest, fish sauce, oregano, olive oil, cumin and pepper, mixing until ingredients form a paste.Spread both sides of meat with paste from food processor and cook in smoker for 1 hour at 250 degrees.Remove from smoker and shred using two forks.
CHIPOTLE SAUCE
INGREDIENTS:
3 tomatoes1/3 Spanish onion1 tbsp. chopped garlic1/3 chipotle canned sauce8 oz. heavy cream1/2 tbsp. kosher salt
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 450 degrees.Cut tomatoes in halves or quarters, drizzle with olive oil and roast on a pan in oven for 30 minutes. Once roasted, remove tomatoes from oven and set aside.Heat olive oil in saucepan and sauté chopped onion for 10 minutes.Add garlic to pan along with roasted tomatoes.Add chicken stock or water and cook for another 15 minutes.Place all contents of pan into blender and blend well.Return blended mixture to saucepan and add heavy cream, cook for another 5 minutes.