Episode 10 - La Madre Monte

Send over your dead SMS messages.Strap in, mortals and immortals alike! We're venturing into Colombia's jungles – no lightning bolts required. It's time for "Fireside Folklore with Hades," and today, we're exploring the tale of La Madre Monte. She's like me, but with more greenery and less thunder.Episode Highlights:Introduction to Colombian Folklore: Persephone and Hermes start us off with a chat about Colombia's folklore. Spoiler alert: it's as rich as Midas but way less shiny.Colombia's Rich Heritage: Hermes, doubling as a tour guide, dishes out cool facts about Colombia. Fun fact: They have more emeralds than I have thunderbolts!The Tale of La Madre Monte:Santiago's Greed: Meet Santiago – a guy who loves trees... but only as furniture. And his sister Isabella, who's more into hugging trees than chopping them.The Wrath of La Madre Monte: Santiago messes with Mother Nature, and boy, does she have a lesson for him! (Hint: It's not about gardening.)Santiago's Transformation: Spoiler: He goes from being a tree killer to a tree hugger. Eco-friendly and Demeter-approved!Cooking Segment with Persephone: Learn how to make Sancocho, the soup that's so good, it almost stole Hades from Persephone. Almost.Sponsor Segment: Check out "Hermes' Jungle Traveler Geo-Compass." It won't stop you from getting lost, but you'll have fun doing it!Lightning Round Quiz: I, the magnificent Zeus, will be hosting a quiz. Get it right before everyone else, and you'll be eating the best chocolate you've ever tasted. Get it wrong, and you'll still win my eternal admiration. (No, you can't exchange it for ambrosia.)So, gather 'round the fire (or your preferred listening device) for an episode that promises to be as entertaining as a party on Mount Olympus! Remember, it's not just a podcast, it's a mythological extravaganza! Here is the recipe for Sancocho. Sancocho is a hearty soup that has meat, vegetables, corn, and herbs in a flavorful broth. It is usually served with rice, avocado, and a spicy sauce called ají picante. Sancocho is a great dish to enjoy on a cold day or when you are feeling sick. It is also a common dish for celebrations and festivals. Here are the ingredients you will need: 6 skinless chicken thighs2 green plantains3 medium red potatoes10 ounces of yuca (frozen or fresh)3 ears of corn1 cup of chopped cilantro3 scallions1 medium tomato, chopped4 cloves of garlic1 teaspoon of cumin2 chicken bouillon cubes8 cups of waterSalt and pepper to taste To make the sancocho, follow these steps: 1. In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat and cook the scallions, tomato, garlic, and cumin for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.2. Add  the chicken, cilantro, water, and bouillon cubes and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about an hour, skimming off any foam that forms on the surface.3. Cut the plantains, potatoes, yuca, and corn into large pieces and add them to the pot. Cook for another 35 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.4. Season with salt and pepper to your liking and serve the sancocho in large bowls with rice, avocado, and ají picante on the side.Remember to have a grown-up help with chopping and cooking! If you’d like to share any pictures of your dish, or if you have questions about how to prepare it, feel free to E-mail me at [email protected]. Enjoy!