Panama, mostly known for the engineering marvel that is the Panama canal which connects the Pacific and the Atlantic Ocean. What else is there to do discover about Panama. Away from the canal, Panama’s got all kinds of highlights. There are lush rainforests everywhere, packed with amazing of plants and animals. If you’re into birdwatching, Panama’s your spot, boasting more than 970 bird species, including the colourful quetzal and the mighty harpy eagle. And check out Coiba National Park – it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site that keeps the ocean life in top-notch condition, making it a dream for folks who love snorkeling and diving.

Things you didn’t know about Panama:

• Panama is home to the only place in the world where you can see the sun rise on the Pacific and set on the Atlantic due to its unique geographical location.
• The famous Panama Canal is not just a shortcut for ships but also saves around 52 million gallons of water per transit by utilizing locks.
• Panama is one of the few places in the world where you can find trees with square trunks. The mangrove tree, known as the buttonwood tree, has a distinct square shape that helps it resist strong winds and waves.
• Panama is home to the famous golden frog, which is actually a toad. It’s a symbol of good luck and prosperity in Panamanian culture. Unfortunately, the golden frog is critically endangered in the wild.
• The Coiba Island in Panama is the largest uninhabited island in Central America and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for its diverse marine life and is considered an important conservation area.

Sancocho holds cultural significance and is often associated with bringing people together. It’s a dish that symbolises warmth, hospitality, and celebration in Panamanian cuisine.

Ingredients:

• 400 gr chicken thigh
• 5 cups of chickenstock
• 1 yellow habanero pepper
• 1 red bellpepper
• 2 onions
• 5 cloves of garlic
• 1 large carrots (diced)
• 2 sticks of celery
• thyme
• garlic powder
• onion powder
• achiote paste
• salt and pepper
• 1 corn on the cob sliced
• 2 plantains sliced
• 200 gr of pumpkin

Recipe:

1. Start by cutting the chicken thigh into bite-sized pieces and then marinate them in the spices.
2. Next, finely chop the onion, garlic, red bell pepper, carrots, celery, and habanero.
3. In a pan, sauté the diced vegetables in 2 tablespoons of butter until they are tender and fragrant.
4. Add the marinated chicken to the pan and continue cooking until it’s s a golden brown.
5. Let it boil for 45 minutes.
6. Then toss in the sliced corn on the cob, plantain, and diced pumpkin.
7. Boil for 30 more minutes.
8. Finish with some fresh parsley and a sliced avocado.