Timpu

Name: Timpu
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 90 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 1 lb beef chuck, cut into chunks; 1 lb chicken thighs or drumsticks; 1/2 lb lamb shoulder, cut into chunks (optional); 4 medium potatoes, peeled and halved; 1 cup chuño, soaked and diced (or 2 medium potatoes); 2 cups cabbage, cut into thick wedges; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp dried oregano; 8 cups beef or chicken broth; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tsp salt; 2 cups cooked white rice, for serving

A highland pot of plenty: chicken, beef, and lamb simmered with chuño, potatoes, and cabbage into one glorious soup-stew.

⏱ 25 minPrep time

🔥 1 hr 30 minCook time

🍽 8Servings

🏷 Bolivian KitchenCategory

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Timpu is the great mixed-meat soup of the Bolivian highlands — a single pot that brings together chicken, beef, and sometimes lamb with potatoes, chuño, and cabbage. It is a celebration dish for family gatherings, served with rice and llajwa on the side.

One Pot, Three Meats

Each meat contributes its own richness to a clear, golden broth that is gentle rather than fiery. The vegetables — soft potato, chewy chuño, sweet cabbage — make it a complete meal, and a spoonful of llajwa adds the traditional spark.

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Step by stepInstructions

Season the meats with salt, cumin, and oregano; brown the beef and lamb first in the oil over medium-high heat, then the chicken, in batches, and set aside.
Sauté the onion and garlic until soft, return all the meats to the pot, add the broth, and bring to a boil; skim the foam, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
Add the potatoes, chuño, and cabbage and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until everything is tender.
Taste and adjust the salt, then serve in deep bowls with rice on the side and llajwa for heat.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Skim the broth as it simmers for a clear, clean soup. Timpu is even better the next day — keep it 3 days in the fridge and reheat gently.

Recipe details

Prep25 min

Cook1 hr 30 min

Servings8

CategoryBolivian Kitchen

PublishedAugust 17, 2026

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →

Timpu

One Pot, Three Meats

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💡 Chef tips & storage

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Timpu

One Pot, Three Meats

Step by stepInstructions

💡 Chef tips & storage

Rate this recipe

Recipe details

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

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