Ajiaco Cubano

1. We recommend preparing the tasajo the night before so it's ready by the time you want to get the soup started. Just the tasajo into medium-sized pieces and soak it in water for 12 hours.
2. Once the jerky is done soaking, drain it and combine with the diced chicken in a large pan over medium heat. Pour in 6 cups (1 ½ liters) of water and simmer for about 1 hour.
3. Next add the pork and continue simmering for another hour. Make sure you skim the foam that forms on the surface of the water as the meat is cooking.
4. Meanwhile, in a frying pan, heat up the lard and fry the bacon. Add in the tomato sauce, onion, garlic and chili pepper and simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
5. Then it's time to add in the spices (cumin, bay leaf, oregano, salt and pepper) and simmer for another 5 minutes. Turn off the flame and discard the bay leaf.
6. When all the meats have become tender add the chopped vegetables to the meat pot (sweet potatoes, yam, cassava, malanga, corn slices and semi-ripe plantains), leaving the ripe plantains and pumpkin for later. Simmer for about 1 hour or until all the vegetables have softened.
7. Now it's time to add the diced pumpkin and ripe plantain and cook until tender (about 30 minutes or so). Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
8. If you prefer a thicker broth, take out some of the vegetables, mash them and stir them back into the pot.
9. Serve at the table in a large soup tureen along with lime slices so each guest can adjust the taste to their liking.

Enjoy!