Our In-the-Know Culinary Travel Guide to the Best Things to Eat in Chile’s Capital—Plus Recipes for Making Many Quintessential Chilean Dishes at Home
Chile is a country known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and of course, its delicious food. And when it comes to food, the capital city of Santiago is a must-visit destination for any food lover. From traditional dishes to modern fusion cuisine, Santiago has something to offer for every palate. So, if you’re planning a trip to Chile’s capital, here’s our in-the-know culinary travel guide to the best things to eat in Santiago, along with some recipes for you to recreate these quintessential Chilean dishes at home.
Empanadas
No trip to Chile is complete without trying their famous empanadas. These savory pastries are a staple in Chilean cuisine and can be found in almost every corner of the city. Empanadas are made with a flaky pastry dough and filled with a variety of ingredients such as beef, chicken, cheese, or seafood. They are then baked or fried to perfection, resulting in a crispy and flavorful snack. One of the best places to try empanadas in Santiago is at the Mercado Central, where you can find a variety of vendors selling these delicious treats.
Recipe for Empanadas:
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup raisins
– 1/2 cup black olives, chopped
– Oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Add the butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Slowly add the water and mix until the dough comes together. Knead the dough for a few minutes, then cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. In a pan, cook the ground beef, onion, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper until the beef is browned.
4. Add the raisins and olives to the beef mixture and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut out circles using a round cookie cutter.
7. Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each circle and fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to seal the edges.
8. Brush the empanadas with beaten egg and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Pastel de Choclo
Another must-try dish in Santiago is the pastel de choclo, a traditional Chilean casserole made with ground beef, chicken, onions, and topped with a layer of sweet corn puree. This hearty dish is perfect for a cold day and is often served with a side of pebre, a spicy salsa made with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.
Recipe for Pastel de Choclo:
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup raisins
– 1 cup black olives, chopped
– 6-8 chicken thighs, cooked and shredded
– 6-8 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
– 6-8 pieces of corn on the cob, cooked and kernels removed
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup butter
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 cup flour
– 1/4 cup cornmeal
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a pan, cook the ground beef, onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper until the beef is brown
