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.
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.
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.
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
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Savory
- Method: Stewed
- Cuisine: Chilean
Description
An ode to the summer. Fabulous.
Ingredients
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve immediately with cooked potatoes or white rice.
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
Spices? Cumin?
Please advise.
This dish doesn't need any spices. In traditional Chilean cuisine, spices are more prominent in winter dishes; summer dishes are about the amazing seasonal ingredients.
Tomaticán builds on the seasoning of the meat. Of course, in your kitchen, you can add whatever you want.
Just made this and it’s delicious, and I like food with big flavour. I can confirm it does not need any spices other than salt and pepper.
No merken?
You can add Merken for sure, but I grew up close to Rancagua in the 80s. Merken was not even known.
Hola vivo en Houston me gustaría comprar tu comida y alfajores como lo hacemos
No vendo nada. Lo siento.
Soy chileno vivo en ?? Irlanda muchos años quiero cocinar comida ?? Chilena
Que bueno, cualquier duda me dejas un comentario.