Chilean cuisine is a hidden gem in the culinary world, blending indigenous traditions with European influences to create dishes that are hearty, flavorful, and downright delicious.
From the coastal seafood delights to the hearty comfort foods of the Andes, Chile’s food scene is as diverse as its landscapes.
If you’re a foodie looking to spice up your kitchen game, you’ve come to the right place.
Get ready to embark on a flavor-packed journey through Chile’s most iconic dishes.
Whether you’re craving something savory, sweet, or downright indulgent, these Chilean recipes are about to become your new favorites.
Trust us, once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. Let’s dive in!
1. Empanadas de Pino (Chilean Beef Empanadas)
Empanadas are a staple in Chilean households, and the empanada de pino is the crown jewel.
These golden, flaky pastries are stuffed with a savory mix of ground beef, onions, raisins, olives, and hard-boiled eggs. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup sliced olives
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
How to Make It:
Start by making the dough. Mix flour, salt, and butter until crumbly, then add water to form a smooth dough.
Let it rest. For the filling, sauté onions, add ground beef, cumin, and paprika. Cook until browned.
Stir in raisins and olives. Roll out the dough, cut circles, and fill each with beef mixture and a slice of egg. Fold, seal, and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
Why We Chose It:
This dish is a Chilean classic for a reason. It’s portable, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.
Plus, the sweet and savory combo is a total crowd-pleaser.
2. Pastel de Choclo (Chilean Corn Pie)
Imagine a creamy, sweet corn topping layered over a rich filling of ground beef, chicken, and spices.
That’s pastel de choclo for you—a comfort food that’ll warm your soul.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups fresh corn kernels
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tbsp basil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 cup chicken, cooked and shredded
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup sliced olives
How to Make It:
Blend corn, milk, and basil until smooth. Cook beef with onions, cumin, and paprika.
Layer beef, chicken, raisins, and olives in a baking dish. Pour the corn mixture on top and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
Why We Chose It:
This dish is the ultimate comfort food. It’s hearty, sweet, and savory all at once—a true taste of Chile.
3. Cazuela (Chilean Stew)
Cazuela is a rustic stew that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Think tender beef, potatoes, squash, and rice simmered in a flavorful broth. It’s like a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef stew meat
- 6 cups beef broth
- 2 potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 squash, sliced
- 1 cup rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
How to Make It:
Simmer beef in broth until tender. Add potatoes, squash, rice, onion, and spices. Cook until veggies are soft and rice is done. Serve hot.
Why We Chose It:
This stew is the epitome of Chilean home cooking. It’s simple, wholesome, and utterly satisfying.
4. Sopaipillas (Chilean Pumpkin Fritters)
These golden, pillowy fritters are a street food favorite in Chile. Made with pumpkin and flour, they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mashed pumpkin
- 4 cups flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup warm water
- Oil for frying
How to Make It:
Mix pumpkin, flour, salt, and water to form a dough. Roll out, cut circles, and fry until golden.
Serve with pebre (Chilean salsa) or a sprinkle of sugar.
Why We Chose It:
Sopaipillas are quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious. They’re the perfect snack or side dish.
5. Humitas (Chilean Corn Tamales)
Humitas are Chile’s answer to tamales. Fresh corn is blended into a creamy mixture, wrapped in corn husks, and steamed to perfection.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups fresh corn kernels
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp basil
- 1/2 cup milk
- Corn husks for wrapping
How to Make It:
Blend corn, onion, basil, and milk until smooth. Spread onto corn husks, fold, and steam for 45 minutes.
Why We Chose It:
Humitas are a taste of Chilean tradition. They’re fresh, flavorful, and totally unique.
6. Chorrillana (Chilean Fries Loaded with Toppings)
Think loaded fries, but better. Chorrillana is a mountain of fries topped with beef, onions, eggs, and sometimes sausage. It’s a meal and a snack rolled into one.
Ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes, cut into fries
- 1 lb beef, sliced
- 2 onions, sliced
- 2 eggs, fried
- Oil for frying
How to Make It:
Fry the potatoes until crispy. Sauté beef and onions. Layer fries, beef, onions, and eggs on a platter. Serve hot.
Why We Chose It:
This dish is perfect for sharing (or not). It’s indulgent, flavorful, and totally addictive.
7. Porotos Granados (Chilean Bean Stew)
This hearty stew is made with cranberry beans, squash, corn, and basil. It’s a summer favorite in Chile.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cranberry beans
- 1 squash, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp basil
How to Make It:
Cook beans until tender. Add squash, corn, onion, and basil. Simmer until veggies are soft. Serve hot.
Why We Chose It:
This stew is light yet filling, making it perfect for any season.
8. Marraqueta (Chilean Bread Rolls)
Marraqueta is Chile’s beloved bread roll. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, it’s perfect for sandwiches or dipping.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
How to Make It:
Mix ingredients, knead, and let rise. Shape into rolls, score the tops, and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes.
Why We Chose It:
No Chilean meal is complete without marraqueta. It’s simple, versatile, and downright delicious.
9. Pebre (Chilean Salsa)
This zesty salsa is a must-have condiment in Chile. Made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and chili, it’s fresh, spicy, and full of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
- 1 chili, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp vinegar
How to Make It:
Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Let sit for 30 minutes before serving.
Why We Chose It:
Pebre adds a burst of flavor to any dish. It’s fresh, spicy, and totally addictive.
10. Mote con Huesillo (Chilean Drink with Wheat and Peaches)
This refreshing drink is a summer staple in Chile. Sweet peaches and chewy wheat berries are served in a sugary syrup.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried peaches
- 1/2 cup wheat berries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 cups water
How to Make It:
Soak peaches and wheat berries separately. Boil sugar and water to make syrup. Combine everything and chill before serving.
Why We Chose It:
This drink is unique, refreshing, and a true taste of Chilean summer.
11. Alfajores (Chilean Dulce de Leche Cookies)
These delicate cookies are sandwiched with creamy dulce de leche and dusted with powdered sugar. They’re a sweet treat you won’t forget.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup dulce de leche
How to Make It:
Mix flour, cornstarch, butter, and sugar to form a dough. Roll out, cut circles, and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Sandwich with dulce de leche and dust with powdered sugar.
Why We Chose It:
Alfajores are the perfect balance of sweet and delicate. They’re a must-try for dessert lovers.
Conclusion
Chilean cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors, and these recipes are just the tip of the iceberg.
From savory empanadas to sweet alfajores, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
So, what are you waiting for? Roll up your sleeves, grab your apron, and start cooking your way through Chile’s culinary wonders.