A summery corn, beef and tomato stew for any occasion.
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"The flavor of our land becomes poetry in every bite, uniting tradition and passion in the cuisine that speaks of Chile's soul." - Isabel Allende
Tomaticán is a traditional Chilean dish that showcases the country's rich culinary heritage. It is a hearty and flavorful stew that typically features a base of diced or pureed tomatoes, along with various vegetables and sometimes meat. The dish is often associated with rural and home-cooked meals, reflecting the importance of fresh, locally sourced ingredients in Chilean cuisine.
The history of Tomatican can be traced back to Chile's indigenous Mapuche people, who were known for their agriculture and use of local ingredients. The name "tomaticán" itself derives from the Mapudungun word "tomati" which means "sauce," and the dish's essence lies in its tomato-based preparation.
Over the centuries, Tomatican has evolved with influences from Spanish colonial cuisine and other cultures. The basic ingredients of the dish include tomatoes, onion, garlic, and various vegetables such as corn, bell peppers, and potatoes. Meat, usually beef or pork, can be added for extra flavor and protein. The ingredients are typically simmered together to create a flavorful stew, often seasoned with spices such as cumin and paprika, which adds depth to the dish.
Tomaticán is a dish that represents Chile's agricultural diversity, as it often includes ingredients that are staples in the country's cuisine. It's a comfort food that brings people together, whether served at family gatherings, traditional celebrations, or casual meals. The combination of simple, locally sourced ingredients cooked together reflects the essence of Chilean culinary traditions.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional Chilean cuisine, including dishes like Tomatican, as people seek to reconnect with their culinary roots and celebrate the flavors that have been passed down through generations. This dish continues to be a beloved part of Chilean culture, representing both the country's history and its vibrant present-day food scene.
Chilean Tomatican
Prep time 15 mins | Cook time 30 mins | Serves 3-4
Certainly! Here's a basic recipe for Chilean Tomatican:
Ingredients:
1 lb (450 g) beef or pork, diced or sliced (optional)
4 large tomatoes, diced
1 white onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 bell peppers, diced (you can use different colors for visual appeal) - I prefer red
2 ears of corn, kernels removed - or 300-400 grams of frozen corn
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups water or broth
Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
If using meat, heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced meat and cook until browned. Remove the meat from the pot and set it aside.
In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed, and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
Add the diced tomatoes and bell peppers to the pot. Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes start to break down and release their juices.
Stir in the ground cumin and paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Lastly, add corn kernels to the pot. Mix everything together to combine the flavors.
If you're using meat, return the cooked meat to the pot at this point.
Pour in the water or broth, ensuring that the ingredients are mostly covered. You can adjust the amount of liquid based on your preference for a thicker or thinner stew.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 30-40 minutes, or until the flavors get to know eachother.
Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Once the stew is ready, remove it from the heat. Serve the Tomatican hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley.
Tomatican is often enjoyed with a side of rice or bread, which helps soak up the flavorful juices. This recipe can be customized based on your preferences and the ingredients you have available. Enjoy this comforting and hearty Chilean dish!
If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or Pinterest – seeing your creations always makes my day. Let's explore international cuisine together!
Are you interested in more flavors from Latin America? Check out the recipes below
North America & The Caribbean
Canadian Poutine - Fries, gravy and cheese, need I say more.
Cuban Ropa Vieja - Tough beef turned into a beautiful tomato based stew.
Mexican Elotes - Delicious cheesy street corn.
Navajo Tacos - Crispy fry bread with ample toppings.
Trini Doubles - A spicy chickpea curry with crispy flatbread.
South & Central America
Bolivian Pique Macho - A meat and potatoes stir-fry of epic proportions.
Chilean Tomatican - A warm summer corn stew featuring beef, tomatoes and onions.
Costa Rican Chifrijo - A perfect bowl of Central American rice, beans and meat.
Ecuadorian Encebollado - A yuca based fish stew.
El Salvadoran Pupusas - Stuffed corn flour cakes grilled on a plancha.
Guatemalan Pepian - A rich chile based chicken stew.
Nicaraguan Nacatamales - Hearty tamales with a tropical twist.
Paraguayan Chipa Guasu - A humble cheesy corn bread.
Peruvian Aji De Gallina - A creamy, yellow pepper chicken dish.
Uruguayan Chivito - A massive meat sandwich which proves Uruguay is all about the meats.
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