You might not list Chilean food as your top ethnic cuisine right now. That is about to change once you read through this collection of 20 Chilean recipes.
I adore these dishes. They are easy to make at home. You will spot some Italian and German influences here. The biggest influence comes from local culture and Spanish cooking.
Expect lots of corn and beans alongside potatoes and rice. The food is not usually spicy. It is mild and packed with flavor. Let’s dive in.
1. Chilean Chorrillana Fries
I look at these fries and see future heartburn. I still want to devour them immediately. Forget chili cheese fries.
These babies come loaded with steak and eggs. You also get tender caramelized onions. I will eat them even if I need Tums later.
2. Completos (Chilean Hot Dogs)
Chilean hot dogs look much prettier than the ones at American baseball games. It must be the colorful toppings. You cook the meat normally.
The difference is what goes on top. These dogs get mustard and ketchup plus onions and tomatoes. Mashed avocado is the final touch. It sounds strange but tastes amazing.
3. Chacarero (Chilean Steak Sandwich)
A fast food burger will never satisfy you again after this. The chacarero puts a full pound of steak on a frica roll. You top it with hot sauce and tomatoes.
Crisp green beans finish it off. I have never found another burger like it. The beans add a perfect crunch. You will wonder why you never tried green beans on a sandwich before.
4. Chilean Estofado Beef Stew
This dish looks complex but only needs 40 minutes. It is a warm stew with beef and carrots. You also add onions and potatoes.
The tomato sauce base gets flavor from cumin and oregano. Paprika and salt finish it off. I love this for cold winter months.
5. Chilean Sea Bass
Most people know about Chilean sea bass. It is famous for a reason. This fish is pure heaven on a plate. The meat is tender. A lemon beurre blanc sauce seasons every bite.
The texture is amazing. It feels like it melts on your tongue. The fish is so succulent you hardly need to chew. Even seafood haters will enjoy this one.
6. Tres Leches Cake
Tres leches means three milk cake. It is the softest and creamiest cake you will ever eat. The flavor is incredibly sweet. I love the light vanilla cake paired with puffy whipped cream.
Every bite makes me close my eyes and sigh. You can add your own toppings too. Try coconut flakes or sliced strawberries. A drizzle of chocolate works great.
7. Chilean Pumpkin Sopapillas
These sopapillas only use five ingredients. They taste great with sweet or savory toppings. I like to drizzle mine with honey or whipped cream.
Homemade molasses sauce is another good option. You can also top them with Chilean salsa pebre for a savory snack. I do not know how they work both ways but they do.
8. Humitas
This is a great vegan appetizer. They do take some time to prepare. That is actually what I love about them. Making them with family is fun.
It is a great bonding experience. You get a feel for authentic culture. They taste delicious too.
9. Marraqueta
The name literally translates to French bread. These tasty double rolls are soft inside. The outside stays slightly crispy. You only need five ingredients to make them.
They take less than an hour. The bread is thick and yeasty. A hint of sweetness makes them perfect for slider buns.
10. Pebre
This is the Chilean version of salsa. It is fantastic. The flavor is bold and clean. You get that taste from fresh garden ingredients. Recipes vary slightly.
The standard version uses onions and tomatoes. You also need peppers and garlic. Olive oil and cilantro finish it off. It is ready in 15 minutes.
11. Brazo de Reina (Chilean Dulce de Leche Cake)
You can make this if you can make a pumpkin roll. The technique is the same. You spread the batter on wax paper. The cooked cake is light and spongy.
Dust it with powdered sugar. You fill it with dulce de leche once it cools. Roll the cake into a log. Add more sugar and eat a slice fast.
12. Choripan
The name comes from chorizo and bread. There is a lot more to it than that. You slather it in garlic and chimichurri sauce. It also gets parsley and oil.
This is one of the few spicy Chilean dishes. The sausage is thick. The smoky meat goes great with the fresh toppings. I love this meal for game day with a beer.
13. Pastel de Choclo
This is basically a corn pie. It resembles shepherd’s pie. This recipe is one of the best versions. The topping features corn and cream with basil.
The filling is complex. It has beef and onions. You also find raisins and olives inside. It even includes chicken breast and eggs. The result is a sweet and savory casserole.
14. Chilean Alfajores
These buttery cookies are thin like wafers. They take about 45 minutes to bake. They are the perfect size for a single bite. You must put a dollop of dulce de leche in the middle.
Whipped cream or jam are other filling options. Some people dip them in chocolate. That adds extra sweetness.
15. Empanadas de Pino (Chilean Beef Empanadas)
I absolutely adore empanadas. You get a warm beef filling inside a buttery crust. Everyone loves that combination. It is a familiar comfort food for many people.
It feels like coming home. Imagine a warm apple pie. Now make the filling savory. That is what this tastes like.
16. Chilean Tomato and Onion Salad
Do not let the cook time scare you. Most of the time is hands off. You soak the onions in saltwater. This makes them tender and sweet.
You marinate the tomatoes in lime juice and oil. Then you arrange everything on a plate. Add cilantro and salt. It works great as a light lunch.
17. Chilean Thousand Layer Cake
This cake does not really have a thousand layers. It does have a lot of them. Each layer is sweeter than the last. The cake is crispy and flaky.
The layers consist of dulce de leche and walnuts. Powdered sugar tops it off. It gives you a major sugar high. I suggest serving it with hot coffee.
18. Country Chilean Bread
I was skeptical when I first saw this bread. It looked very flat. I was surprised by how yummy it tasted. It is like a small round sandwich bread.
You can eat it for any meal. I prefer mine at breakfast. Stuff them with eggs and bacon. A pat of honey butter makes them perfect.
19. Manjar
This sauce takes time to make. You have to stir it a lot. The result is worth every second. It tastes like homemade caramel. The texture is much creamier.
You will struggle with self control around this stuff. It is meant to be a dip. I usually eat it straight from the bowl. I like dipping pretzels in it.
20. Mote con Huesillos
You will love this if you like sweet drinks. It is perfect for hot summer weather. People in Chile drink it like lemonade. You need sugar and dried peaches to make it.
Add a cinnamon stick and citrus peel. Cooked pearled barley gives it a chunky texture. The drink is surprisingly filling.
