During my “In Memory Of” series, I was privileged enough to learn about seca de pollo, an Ecuadorian chicken stew that fills your home with incredible aromas. Bursting with flavor from many delectable vegetables and traditional seasoning, this homecooked dish is simple to make and perfect for a big family or gathering.

Carla from Ecuador provided us with this seca de pollo recipe. Though she now lives in Georgia, this traditional Ecuadorian meal remains one of her favorites. Seca de pollo is a common meal throughout Ecuador, but Carla makes it in memory of her parents, Guadalupe and Carlos. They made this dish often for Carla, and though they passed before they could teach her to cook, Carla took it upon herself to work her way back to this recipe. I am honored that she should share it with us after rediscovering it.

Whenever Carla would ask who taught her mom to cook, her mother would respond with a single word: life. This seca de pollo recipe is a testament to this sentiment. It is the epitome of beautiful home cooking; full of love and life experience, the chicken falls apart in a pool of rich flavors over a soft bed of rice. Seca de pollo was a wonderful experience full of flavor, and it was easy to plate. I highly recommend you try this little piece of Carla’s home.

Carla’s mom taught Carla and her brothers a love for cooking, baking, and art. She also taught them to be resilient hard workers who keep moving forward. Despite whatever challenges were presented to her, Carla feels she has done just that in life. Her mother and father live on in the hearts of those whose lives they touched, and this seca de pollo recipe is a representation of this notion.

Thank you to Carla, Guadalupe, and Carlos for such a touching, delicious cooking experience. It was a privilege to cook your seca de pollo, and I hope that many others are inspired to try this dish.