Traditional food of Chili is categorized as a simple comfort food. There is no special presentation to the dish, just simple ingredients, used to make simple great tasting dishes.

History of the Food of Chili

The Spanish came to Chili in 1541 bringing with them a vast array of different foods. This is how and when the Chileans were familiarized to grapes, olives, walnuts, sugar, garlic and spices. They were also introduced to chicken, beef, pigs, rabbits, milk and cheese, along with sheep. Long before the Spanish came to Chili corn was a main staple in most Chilean dishes.  In fact corn based dishes are still apart of the Chilean nations diet, with dishes like Humatis and Empanadas. However in the twenty first century both the traditional ingredient is infused with ingredients from other world countries. Humatis is probably one of the most beloved traditional corn based dish in Chili. Humatis is prepared from grated fresh corn mixed into a paste with fried onions, basil, salt and pepper, then wrapped in corn husks and boiled. Empanadas are another very popular dish to the Chilean food traditions. It is a little pie usually stuffed with beef, olives and onions and then fried.

Mealtimes

Mealtimes are very important to the Chili Nation; lunch being the biggest and most important meal of the day. In fact the tradition of lunch is so important that some stores and business require their employee’s to take a longer lunch so they can go home and eat with their families. Lunch consists of two main courses, usually the first a salad and some sort of local seafood. The second may consist of Cazuela de ave, this is a traditional thick stew made with chicken, potatoes’, rice, green peppers and sometimes onions.

Other Popular Foods Found in Chilean Cuisine

Chili yields some of the world’s finest and most varied seafood’s, so it is safe to say that seafood is a major staple in Chilean cuisine. There are four square meals a day which consist of foods like chicken, beef, fresh fruits, vegetables and sea food.  Breakfast however is very small and usually consists of a hot drink such a tea with sugar and toast with butter. Contrary to popular belief Chilean cuisine is not spicy, although the Chileans are known to cook with chili peppers. Hot sauces normally are always found served alongside dishes not in them. The most popular Chilean dish is served as a main course either at lunch or dinner, and is called pastel de choclo. This is another pie type dish prepared using corn, a variety of vegetables, chicken and beef; very simple ingredients but very wholesome.