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Tomaticán Corn, Tomato, and Beef Stew

Published: Jan 8, 2022 · Modified: May 21, 2025 by Pilar Hernandez · This post may contain affiliate links.

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Versión en español

Tomaticán is a traditional Chilean dish known for its simple yet delicious flavors. It is a stew-like dish that typically includes tomatoes, onions, and corn. To make it heartier and more satisfying, it is often served with pieces of meat such as beef or chicken. This dish is rooted in the Indigenous Mapuche culture but has become a popular part of Chilean cuisine.

Chilean Tomatican

The dish is seasoned with a combination of herbs and spices, such as cumin, paprika, and oregano, which give it a rich and aromatic flavor.

Chilean Tomatican is known for being a comforting and filling meal that is perfect for summer days when the tomatoes and corn are at their peak. The common tomato in Chile is most similar to what we consider heirloom tomatoes in the US. In Chile, going to the Feria (farmers market) every week to buy fresh veggies is still very common. The Feria is cheaper than supermarkets.

Beef is a staple in Chilean cuisine and is used in various traditional dishes. The Spaniards introduced cows to Chile. Meat, especially beef, has always been expensive in Chile. Steaks are mostly reserved for important occasions; for everyday dishes like Tomaticán, home cooks use cheaper cuts like chuck or top sirloin.

Tomatoes at the market.
Tomatoes at the market.

It is often served with a side of white rice, fried potatoes Papas Doradas, or both, and is enjoyed by many Chileans as a popular family dish. Its rich flavors and the use of fresh, simple ingredients make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. You can make it in winter with frozen corn and canned tomatoes.

Chilean Tomatican

While the basic recipe for Tomatican remains consistent, there can be regional variations across Chile, with some regions adding their unique twists and flavors to the dish. The dish remains a staple in Chilean cuisine, celebrated for its taste and ability to unite people over a hearty, wholesome meal.

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Tomaticán Corn, Tomato, and Beef Stew

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  • Author: Pilar Hernandez
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4
  • Category: Savory
  • Method: Stewed
  • Cuisine: Chilean
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Description

An ode to the summer. Fabulous.


Ingredients

Units
  • 1 pound thin top sirloin steak
  • 1 medium yellow onion, cut in half moons
  • 2 raw corn, shelled or 1 cup of frozen corn
  • 2 medium tomatoes, chopped into cubes
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat one tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat in a medium skillet, dry and season the steak on both sides, brown it for 2 minutes per side, remove it to a plate, and let cool.
    top sirloin steak browning the steak another side of the steak
  2. In the same pan, cook the onion without adding more oil, occasionally stirring for 5-8 minutes, until it is cooked and begins to brown. Add the corn and chopped tomatoes with their juice. Cook for 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
    browning onion add corn and tomato cooked corn, tomato and onion
  3. Slice the meat against the direction of the muscle fibers so that it is tender, and add the juices to the pan with the vegetables, stir and heat everything, and try and adjust the seasoning.
    Meat sliced
  4. Serve immediately with cooked potatoes or white rice.
    Chilean Tomatican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 258
  • Sugar: 5.1 g
  • Sodium: 73.2 mg
  • Fat: 11.7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11.7 g
  • Fiber: 1.9 g
  • Protein: 27.3 g

Did you make this recipe?

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Tomatican Pin

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Comments

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    Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

  1. Eric K says

    August 11, 2022 at 11:08 pm

    No merken?

    Reply
    • Pilar Hernandez says

      August 12, 2022 at 2:52 pm

      You can add Merken for sure, but I grew up close to Rancagua in the 80s. Merken was not even known.

      Reply
  2. Sonia Valdenegro says

    June 19, 2021 at 5:00 am

    Hola vivo en Houston me gustaría comprar tu comida y alfajores como lo hacemos

    Reply
    • Pilar Hernandez says

      June 19, 2021 at 12:17 pm

      No vendo nada. Lo siento.

      Reply
  3. Tomas Antonio says

    September 06, 2020 at 4:05 pm

    Soy chileno vivo en ?? Irlanda muchos años quiero cocinar comida ?? Chilena

    Reply
    • Pilar Hernandez says

      September 08, 2020 at 12:05 pm

      Que bueno, cualquier duda me dejas un comentario.

      Reply

¡Hola!

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

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