Father Leandro NaunHung, a Catholic priest from Santiago de Cuba renowned for his exploration and promotion of rural traditions and customs in the province, took to social media this Monday to share a video featuring a woman who provides a comprehensive guide to preparing the conga hutia. In a post on his Facebook account, the priest introduces the woman as she enthusiastically describes the steps involved in creating this traditional dish, emphasizing its unique taste.
"This is hutia. They say it's similar to pork," the priest remarked. "But it's even tastier than pork," the woman responded. She explained that the process begins by salting the hutia meat and smoking it, which is crucial for achieving its distinctive flavor. Once smoked, the meat is rinsed in hot water to remove excess smoke before proceeding with the recipe.
"After that, you cook it with the necessary spices: tomato paste, garlic, and everything else it needs," she added, detailing that the final product is a thick sauce reminiscent of a fricassee. With a smile, she assured viewers that the dish is "divine" and a true delight worth trying.
NaunHung expressed his interest by saying, "Save me a hutia for when I come to celebrate; I'll bring everything else, and we'll make it in salsa." Known for his love of pasta, as evidenced by a previous spaghetti recipe he shared, the priest suggested combining both dishes. "When I come up to make spaghetti, I'll bring the spaghetti, and you provide the hutia," he emphasized.
However, the populations of the conga and andaraz hutias in areas like Alejandro de Humboldt National Park in Guantánamo have dwindled due to poaching and natural threats such as the hawk, mongoose, and wild dogs. These native species face constant pressure that severely threatens their survival in natural habitats. Endangered, both species also suffer from a lack of research and technical personnel to assess their status and implement effective conservation measures.
Amid the scarcity of food and essential goods in Santiago de Cuba, NaunHung recently shared a traditional coffee alternative known as "the poor man's coffee," made from platanillo seeds. Working to empower rural communities in Santiago de Cuba during the ongoing economic crisis, the priest highlighted a lesser-known tradition that is common in the region due to the shortage of conventional coffee.
The video features a conversation with a local resident who explains that the plant called "platanillo" is used as the "poor man's coffee," a substitute many locals have adopted in challenging times.
Culinary and Environmental Concerns in Cuba
Why is the conga hutia considered tastier than pork?
The conga hutia is considered tastier than pork due to its unique smoking process, which imparts a distinctive flavor that many find superior.
What are the threats to the conga hutia population?
The conga hutia population is threatened by poaching, natural predators such as hawks and wild dogs, and a lack of research and conservation efforts.
What is "the poor man's coffee" in Santiago de Cuba?
"The poor man's coffee" is a traditional coffee substitute made from platanillo seeds, commonly used in Santiago de Cuba due to the shortage of regular coffee.