Chile Food Cazeula ~ Traditional Cazuela de Pollo

Food from Chile typically made with beef or chicken

The Chile food Cazuela is one of the traditional foods from Chile that is often described as a style or type of stew that is prepared using chicken or beef as the main protein ingredient. In Chile, when this food is made with chicken, it is called Cazuela de Pollo (Spanish, pronounced cazz-WAY-lah deh POY-yoh). Unlike the typical North American stew with a heavy, creamy gravy, the gravy for this homestyle food from Chile is a broth, very light and clear.

In southern Chile, in Puerto Montt at Restaurant Kiel, I ordered what the Kiel menu called chicken soup. I later learned that this was the way they chose to translate the term ' chicken cazuela '. The traditional vegetables cooked and served with cazuela are green beans, carrots, a piece of pumpkin, red or green pepper slices and potato. As with most traditional foods, the recipe for cazuela can vary according to the cook's preferences and ingredients on hand. But whether cazuela is made with beef or chicken, or even seafood, it's delicious, and hearty. Add some crusty marraqueta to round out the lunch or dinner. See also Chilean fish and seafood, fruits and coffee.

Cazuela with Beef a traditional home style Chile food

In Santiago, Chile, at El Hoyo Restaurant, I had beef cazuela, shown in the picture. My Chilean companion explained to me that cazuela is a casual dish, one that people cook at home for the family, not for company. Busy homemakers simmer the meat all day, then add a few green beans, carrot slices and a boiled potato, and a bit of salt when ready to serve.

Carmen in Valparaiso writes: "The cazuela is the most typical dish of the country side of Chile and traditionally made with beef, potato, a piece of pumpkin, carrot slices, red or green pepper slices and green beans. Also, during summer, with a piece of yellow corn. Served on a clay dish."

 

Chicken Cazuela at Restaurant Kiel ~ Cazuela de Pollo

This is the Chicken Soup for I had for lunch at Restaurant Kiel, located a short distance from Puerto Montt) in Chile's Lake District. I expected the traditional chicken soup in bowl of diced veggies and noodles that is common in North America. Instead, I was given this very tasty treat that is Chicken cazuela.

The pale spears on the side plate are canned white asparagus, billed as a salad. Add your own oil and vinegar to dress the spears.

With my meal, I ordered a drink called frutilla (froo-tee-yah) -- fresh strawberry juice. Of course coffee and tea are offered, too, as is beer and wine.

More Pictures of Chile Foods ~ Click a Pic and go!

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