Choripán is a popular Chilean sandwich consisting of a grilled chorizo sausage served on crusty bread, often accompanied by various toppings and condiments. The name “choripán” is a combination of “chorizo,” referring to the sausage, and “pan,” which means bread in Spanish. The chorizo sausage used in choripán is typically made from pork, though variations may include beef or a mixture of meats. It is seasoned with a blend of spices, including paprika, garlic, cumin, and other herbs like oregano and spices, giving it a distinctive flavor. In the USA, look for Spanish chorizo, Argentinian chor ..read more

Versión en español As soon as the heat of summer starts in Chile and the summer fruit is available, we drink Clery or Borgoña. These strawberry wine punches, one with white wine and the other with red wine are very popular in Central Chile. Clery is versatile, and it’s common to add to the strawberries as seasonal fruit like white peaches, yellow peaches, or mango. Depending on the availability, you could also use just sweet cherries. Remember to do it a few hours before serving, chill in the refrigerator, and serve in a short glass. What varieties of white wines are suitable for Clery? I lik ..read more

Versión en español Pear empanadas are a delicious and sweet twist on the traditional savory empanada. A popular dish in many Latin American and Spanish-speaking countries, empanadas consist of pastry dough folded around a filling, which can be sweet or savory. Pear empanadas typically feature a sweet pear filling and are often spiced with cinnamon and sugar. Chilean pears are known for their high quality and excellent flavor. The country is one of the major exporters of pears, and its diverse climate and geography contribute to producing top-notch fruit. Some popular varieties of Chilean pears ..read more

Versión en español One of the things I miss most about Chile is our family Sunday lunches, where the whole family gets together: cousins, uncles, grandparents, and grandaunts. These weekly family reunions are the ones I remember most fondly, the feeling of belonging and the fantastic food my grandmother used to make, including this Chimichurri Sauce, Chilean style, if you must. Chimichurri and Chilean pebre are popular South American condiments known for their vibrant flavors and versatility in complementing a variety of dishes. While they share some similarities, they have distinct character ..read more

Versión en español Growing up in Chile, I have many candy memories. The most popular ones, like Super8, have chocolate, and I have never been a chocolate person. That may be why I was always happy to buy a Mantecol. Mantecol is a popular peanut-based candy bar in Argentina. It is known for its smooth and creamy texture, making it a beloved treat among Argentinians and people in other parts of South America. It tastes like peanut butter fudge but less intense, with cinnamon hints. The main ingredients of Mantecol are peanuts, sugar, and sometimes honey or other sweeteners. Peanuts are ground a ..read more

Versión en español Chilean chickpeas, or garbanzo beans, are an essential ingredient in Chilean cuisine and are used in various traditional dishes. These legumes are known for their nutty flavor and slightly grainy texture, making them a versatile and popular ingredient in many savory dishes. One of the most well-known dishes featuring chickpeas is the famous Chilean stew called “Sopa de garbanzos.” This hearty stew typically includes chickpeas, rice, squash, onions, and other seasonal vegetables, creating a flavorful and nutritious meal. “Garbanzos con Longaniza” is a popular version of Sopa ..read more

Versión en español Baked apples or Manzanas Asadas is a delicious and comforting dessert made by baking whole or half apples with various sweet and flavorful ingredients. It’s a classic dessert that’s popular in many cultures, with numerous variations of it. This version with Dulce de Leche is easy and delicious. Apples are widely cultivated and enjoyed in Chile, essential to the country’s agricultural and culinary landscape. Chile produces various apple cultivars, including traditional favorites like Red Delicious, Granny Smith, Gala, Fuji, and Golden Delicious. Most heirloom apple varieties ..read more

Versión en español Chilean flan, known as “flan Casero” or simply “flan,” is a beloved dessert in Chile and many other Latin American countries. It is a creamy and smooth caramel custard dessert that is simple but incredibly satisfying. It brings so many happy memories from my aunt’s place, where fruits were never an acceptable dessert… (old times). What I love about this dessert is that I usually have all the ingredients at home (milk, eggs, dulce de leche, and sugar), so if I have guests for dinner, I can do it in the morning, and it’ll be perfectly cold at night. Ready to be enjoyed! Dulce ..read more

Versión en español Wouldn’t you say Flank Steak Roll or Chilean Malaya is perfect for sandwiches or a hearty Summer teatime, especially with freshly harvested tomatoes? Since my mom was visiting, I asked her to make one, and I took notes. The Chilean Malaya is considered a cold cut, a type of sliced meat preparation commonly used in sandwiches and salads. I use flank steak in the US, a beef cut known for its robust flavor and texture.  Steps to prepare Chilean Malaya: Selecting the Flank Steak: This cut of meat is often long and flat, which makes it suitable for rolling. Rolling and Tyin ..read more

Versión en español My favorite dishes as a child were Zapallitos rellenos or Cheesy Zucchini Boats.  I seldom make them here because, for years, I’ve been looking high and low for large zucchinis like the ones we used in Chile. Suitable to be hollowed and stuffed, I now buy two different kinds: round and thinner zucchinis to recreate this popular Chilean dish. Although occasionally, I’ve found just the right kind of zucchini. And lately, I’ve managed to grow them in Houston and Seattle. Remember to taste zucchini while cutting them; there’s nothing worse than a bitter zucchini! If it’s b ..read more