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Chilean Soups & Starters

Versión en español

Soups are crucial in Chilean cuisine. For a long time, a soup course before the main dish was traditional.

Creams of vegetables are very popular during winter, allowing for the consumption of the many vegetables that grow abundantly in Chile.

Some traditional summer soups use corn, beans, and squash, an ancient Indigenous trilogy: Porotos Granados con pilco or con mazamorra.

Chilean soups often reflect the country's agricultural abundance and a mix of indigenous, Spanish, and other international culinary influences. These soups are enjoyed year-round, with some being more popular during specific seasons due to the availability of seasonal ingredients. Each region of Chile may have variations and twists on these traditional soups, making them even more diverse and flavorful.

Cazuela chilena de pollo Chilean Cazuela

Some of the most famous Chilean soups include:

  • Cazuela: Cazuela is considered one of Chile's national dishes. It's a hearty soup made with meat (usually chicken or beef) and vegetables like potatoes, corn, pumpkin, carrots, and green beans. It's seasoned with spices like paprika and cumin and sometimes fresh herbs like cilantro. Cazuela is often served with pebre (Chilean salsa).
  • Porotos Granados: This is a Chilean bean stew that's especially popular in the summer when fresh beans and corn are in season. It features cranberry beans, corn, pumpkin, and often basil and garlic for flavor. It's a thick and flavorful soup, usually accompanied by an Ensalada Chilena (tomatoes and onions salad).
  • Paila Marina: Paila Marina is a traditional Chilean seafood soup from coastal regions. It typically contains a variety of fresh seafood, such as shrimp, mussels, clams, and fish, all simmered in a flavorful broth with onions, garlic, and various spices. It's often garnished with cilantro and served with crusty bread (Marraqueta).
Machas a la parmesana

Chilean cuisine offers a diverse array of starters, known locally as "entradas." Here are some popular Chilean starter dishes:

  • Ceviche: Ceviche is a popular seafood dish with fresh fish marinated in lime or lemon juice and typically mixed with onions, cilantro, and sometimes aji (chili pepper). 
  • Empanadas: Chilean empanadas are savory pastries filled with a variety of ingredients. Typical fillings include ground beef, onions, black olives, hard-boiled eggs, and raisins. They are baked to a golden perfection and are a staple of Chilean cuisine.
  • Humitas: Humitas are similar to tamales and are made from ground fresh corn mixed with onions, basil, and other seasonings. The mixture is wrapped in corn husks and steamed or boiled. Humitas can be served as a main dish or a starter.
  • Machas a la Parmesana: This Chilean dish featuring razor clams (machas) cooked with Parmesan cheese, butter, and white wine. It's typically served hot and is a delightful seafood starter.
  • Palta Reina: Palta is the Chilean word for avocado, and Palta Reina is a popular dish that features a ripe avocado stuffed with a mixture of mayonnaise and shrimp, chicken, or ham. It's a creamy and delicious starter.
  • Basic Cream of Vegetables Soup
  • Betarragas Rellenas Chilean Stuffed Beets
  • Cazuela de pollo Chilean Chicken Soup
  • Homemade Empanadas
    Cheese Empanadas
  • Chilean Beef Cazuela de Vacuno
  • Chilean Beef Empanadas de Pino
  • Chilean Carbonada
  • Chilean Ceviche
    Chilean Ceviche
  • Cream of Asparagus Soup
  • Cream of Broccoli Soup
  • Cream of Cauliflower Soup
  • Cream of Celery Soup
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup
  • Cream of Spinach Soup
  • Crema de Porotos Cream of Beans Soup
  • Crema de Zapallitos Cream of Zucchini Soup
  • Humitas
  • Lentejas con Arroz Chilean Lentil Soup
  • Machas a la Parmesana
    Machas a la Parmesana Chilean Razor Clams
  • Machos Ahogados Chilean Dumpling Soup
  • Chilean Paila Marina Seafood Stew
    Paila Marina Chilean Seafood Soup
  • Palta Reina Chilean Stuffed Avocado
    Palta Reina Chilean Stuffed Avocado
  • Pantrucas Chilean Pasta Soup
    Pantrucas Chilean Pasta Soup
  • Paprika or Chilean Color
  • Porotos con Mazamorra Chilean Bean Stew
    Porotos con Mazamorra Chilean Cranberry Bean Soup
  • Porotos con Riendas Chilean Winter Bean Soup
  • Porotos Granados Chilean Cranberry Bean Stew
  • Queso Camarón Empanadas Langostino Cheese
  • Rollitos de Jamón Chilean Ham rolls
  • Sopa de Garbanzos Chilean Chickpea Soup
  • Tomatoes Stuffed with Smoked Salmon or Tuna
    Tomates rellenos Stuffed Tomatoes with Tuna
  • Valdiviano Soup
Chilean Soup Pin

¡Hola!

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I'm Pilar Hernandez, a Latina mom, blogger since 2008, and urban farmer.

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