Pilar's Chilean Food & Garden

  • Chilean recipes
  • Chilean Pantry
  • Cookbook
  • Sitio en Español
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Chilean recipes
  • Chilean Pantry
  • Cookbook
  • Sitio en Español
search icon
Homepage link
  • Chilean recipes
  • Chilean Pantry
  • Cookbook
  • Sitio en Español
×

Chilean Vegetables

Chile has a diverse agricultural sector that benefits from a wide range of climates, allowing for the production of various fruits, vegetables, and crops. 

The country's unique geography, which spans a long stretch along the western coast of South America, contributes to a diverse range of microclimates, including the Atacama Desert in the north, Mediterranean climates in the central region, and the cooler, temperate climates in the southern regions.

Chile is known for its production and export of several agricultural products, including fruits such as grapes, apples, pears, and berries, which are exported worldwide. 

Additionally, the country produces various vegetables to meet domestic demand; if you visit Chile, go to the markets or Ferias to see the variety and, in some cases, impressive sizes some vegetables get to be, especially celery. 

Humero Corn grown in the PNW

Some of the notable vegetables grown in Chile include:

  • Avocados (Palta): Chile is a significant exporter of avocados, primarily concentrated in the central and southern regions. Try varieties like Palta Fuerte, Palta Negra de la Cruz. Hass is widely available, too.
Palta La Cruz
  • Corn (Choclo): Corn is grown in different regions of Chile, with the fertile central valleys being a prominent area for its cultivation. Corn is a staple ingredient in many traditional Chilean dishes. The variety most used in our traditional dishes is the Choclo Humero.
  • Potatoes (Papas): Potatoes are essential to Chilean cuisine, and various types are cultivated across different regions. Chile's diverse climate conditions allow for the production of different potato varieties. If you go south to Chiloe Island, you can immerse yourself in the variety of potato-based breads.
  • Tomatoes: Chile produces various tomatoes in various sizes and varieties. Tomatoes are typical in many Chilean dishes, including salads, sauces, and stews. If you can, try the Limachino variety, a pink heirloom tomato with fabulous flavor.
Chilean feria

Chilean cuisine is a vibrant fusion of indigenous ingredients and cooking traditions from Spain, Germany, and Italy. While it is known for its rich variety of seafood and meat dishes, it also offers some delicious and unique vegetable-based dishes. 

Here are a few notable Chilean vegetable dishes:

  • Humitas y Pastelera de Choclo: These are traditional Chilean dishes made with corn batter. Humitas are similar to tamales. Pastelera is often baked until the corn is golden and crispy.
  • Porotos Granados: This hearty bean stew is made with cranberry beans, corn, squash, onion, and basil. It is often served with Ensalada Chilena, tomatoes, and onions.
  • Pebre: While not a dish, pebre is a traditional Chilean salsa or condiment made with cilantro, onion, garlic, olive oil, and tomatoes. It is commonly served with bread, meat, or grilled vegetables.
  • Tortillas: Almost any vegetable can be made into a frittata in Chile. We use fewer eggs, so the vegetables are front and center. The most classic tortilla is Tortilla de Zanahoria (carrot frittata).
Chilean Vegetables
  • Bechamel Mushroom Sauce
  • Betarragas Rellenas Chilean Stuffed Beets
  • Chancho en Piedra, Chilean Recipe
    Chancho en Piedra
  • Chilean Pequenes or Onion Empanadas
  • Coliflor en Salsa Blanca Cauliflower with Bechamel
  • Chilean Pebre Recipe
    Easy Pebre Recipe
  • Ensalada de Acelgas Swiss Chard Salad
  • Espinacas a la Crema Spinach in White Sauce
  • Fritos de Coliflor Chilean Cauliflower Fritters
  • Fritos de Porotos Verdes Chilean Green Bean Fritters
  • Humitas
  • Chilean Papas con Mote
    Papas con Mote Chilean Wheatberry and Potato
  • Pastel de Coliflor Chilean Cauliflower Casserole
  • Pastel de Papas Chilean Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie
  • Pastel de Zapallitos Chilean Zucchini Casserole
  • Pastelera de Choclo Chilean Corn Pudding
  • Porotos con Mazamorra Chilean Bean Stew
    Porotos con Mazamorra Chilean Cranberry Bean Soup
  • Porotos Granados Chilean Cranberry Bean Stew
  • Puré de Pallares Mashed White Beans
  • Spinach and Ricotta Crepes
  • Tortilla de Espinaca Chilean Spinach Frittata
  • Tortilla de Porotos Verdes Green Bean Frittata
  • Tortilla de Zanahoria Chilean Carrot Frittata
  • Tortilla de Zapallitos Chilean Zucchini Frittata
  • Zapallitos Rellenos Chilean Cheesy Zucchini Boats
  • Zucchini boat with ground beef and rice.
    Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef and Rice
Chilean Vegetables Pin

¡Hola!

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

Chilean Kitchen cover
Buy my cookbook

Popular Recipes

  • Dulce de Leche Rice Pudding

  • Chilean Beef Empanadas de Pino

  • Chilean Sopaipillas with Pumpkin

  • Milhojas or Thousand Layers Cake

  • Pastel de Choclo Corn and Beef Casserole

  • Argentinian Medialunas

  • Calzones rotos
    Chilean Calzones Rotos

  • Traditional Chilean Alfajores

  • Raspberry Mousse

  • Pan Amasado Recipe
    Pan Amasado Chilean Country Bread

Footer

About me

Licensing

Privacy