Charquicán is a traditional Chilean dish with Indigenous roots that pre-date the Spaniard invasion. It is a hearty stew made with various ingredients, including meat, vegetables, and potatoes. It's believed to be one of the oldest Chilean dishes that is still cooked in many households.
Charquicán is a very seasonal dish in Chile. If it's summer and in season, green beans, peas, and corn are added. The same goes for other vegetables. It is still cooked with pumpkin and always faithful potatoes if it is winter.
The name derives from the use of jerky in the preparation. Charqui (jerky) is any smoked and dried meat. It could be horse jerky, beef, or even fish. Before refrigerators were popular, this is how meat was preserved. Making it with fresh beef is more common, but the name remains.
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Chilean Charquican
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stove-cooked
- Cuisine: Chilean
Description
One of the oldest Chilean dishes on record.
Ingredients
- 1 small yellow onion, diced small
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups (½ pound) of winter squash (kabocha, butternut, or similar), peeled, cubed
- 5 red potatoes, peeled, cubed
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
- pinch of cumin
- 2 cup vegetable broth
- ½ cup each corn, green peas, or green beans (frozen is fine)
- salt, pepper, oil
- 6 eggs, to serve, optional
Instructions
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, put one tablespoon of oil. Add the onion and cook for 6-8 minutes, until soft.
- Add the meat and saute for 6 minutes.
- Add the squash, potatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, cumin, and paprika. Stir. Add the broth and cook cover for 15 minutes, simmering. Reduce the heat if need it.
- With a fork, mash the potatoes and squash.
- Add corn, peas, and green beans. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until hot.
- Fried the eggs if using.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning. Serve hot with a fried egg on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6.3 g
- Sodium: 353 mg
- Fat: 15.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 6.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40.8 g
- Fiber: 5.3 g
- Protein: 26.5 g
Tips for a delicious Charquicán:
I live in the US. What pumpkin can I use in the charquicán?
I use half and half of the butternut and canned pumpkin. The kabocha, turban, and Hubbard are similar to the Chilean, but they are not easy to get. In farmer markets, you have more options. In Latin or Asian supermarkets, you find varieties similar to those in Chile.
How do I make charquicán with charqui?
Preheat the oven to 350F or 180C. Place the charqui in an oven tin. Cook for 15 minutes. Take it out of the range. When you can touch it, crumble and throw away any tough piece. Chop the rest finely. Add the meat to the recipe in the same step, but do not brown. Note: There are many types of jerky; some are very salty, and you must wash them before putting them in the oven.
What potatoes do you recommend in the US?
Any potato works, but if I can choose, I prefer red potatoes.
Can I make it with other meats or without?
You can use ground chicken, turkey, or lamb in small cubes. In Chile, a typical vegetarian version of charquicán is made with Cochayuyo, our local seaweed. It is now available in the US.
You may also be interested in the recipe: Chilean Beef Stew.
Pat says
Thanks for the recipe Pilar.
My kids tried it and fell in love with the dish. Just like I did when my mum used to make it!
Pilar Hernandez says
That's so sweet. Love it!
Dr Harold Sherrington says
Your recipe is the real thing as I remember it.
Pilar Hernandez says
Thanks! My family is from Central Chile, so my cooking is from that area too.
susan says
hi your foto has a lot of white onion frying but recipe calls for 1 green onion?
Pilar Hernandez says
Hi Susan. Sorry about that. I re-wrote the recipe to make it more traditional and align with the pictures.
Paulette says
I love charquican. Thank you for the recipe. Finally recepies that really work
Pilar Hernandez says
So happy that you are cooking with me. Welcome, and let me know if you have any questions.
Anonymous says
me encantan tus recetas me ayudan much gracias pillar des de Canada
Evelyn
Pilar Hernandez says
Que bueno. Saludos.