Honduran Sopa de Caracol (Conch Soup)

Ingredients

• 2 lbs fresh conch meat (cleaned and tenderized)
• 4 cups coconut milk (preferably fresh)
• 4 cups water or fish stock
• 2 green plantains (peeled and sliced into rounds)
• 1 large potato (peeled and cubed)
• 1 large onion (finely chopped)
• 1 bell pepper (diced (red or green for colour))
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 small bunch of cilantro (chopped (reserve some for garnish))
• 1 teaspoon ground achiote (annatto)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 limes (juiced)
• 1 hot pepper (habanero or chili, optional for spice)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil