Traditional Panamanian Spiced Vegetable Pilaf

Assemble the ingredients: vegetable, butter, cinnamon, bay leaf, tomato, salt, olive oil.

Warm oil in a heavy pot. Add the vegetable and cook until spiced.

Stir in the aromatics and spices — the backbone of Panamanian flavors.

Add the remaining ingredients and cook gently, stirring occasionally, until tender.

Taste and adjust seasoning; the flavor should deepen as it cooks.

Plate and serve with traditional Panamanian accompaniments such as bread, rice, or fresh herbs.