Charquicán is a traditional Chilean dish with indigenous roots, pre-dating the Spaniard invasion. It is a hearty stew made with various ingredients, including meat, vegetables, and potatoes. It’s believed to be one of the oldest Chilean dishes still cooked in many households.
Charquicán is a very seasonal dish in Chile. If it’s summer and in-season, green beans, peas, and corn are added. It is the same with other vegetables. It is still cooked with pumpkin and always faithful potatoes if it is winter.
The name derives from the use of jerky in the preparation. Charqui (jerky) is any smoked and dried meat. It could be horse jerky, beef, or even fish. Before refrigerators were popular, this is how meat was preserved. Making it with fresh beef is more common, but the name remains.
Tips for a delicious Charquicán:
I live in the US. What pumpkin can I use in the charquicán?
I use half and half butternut and canned pumpkin. The kabocha, turban, and Hubbard are similar to the Chilean, but they are not easy to get. In farmer markets, you have more options. And in Latin or Asian supermarkets, you find varieties similar to Chilean.
How do I make charquicán with charqui?
Preheat oven to 350F or 180C. Place the charqui distributed in an oven tin. Cook for 15 minutes. Take it out of the range. When you can touch it, crumble and throw away any tough piece. Chop the rest finely. Add the meat to the recipe in the same step, but do not brown. Note: Many types of jerky; some are very salty, and you must wash them before putting them in the oven.
What potatoes do you recommend in the US?
Any potato works, but if I can choose, I prefer red potatoes.
Can I make it with other meats or without?
You can use ground chicken or turkey. Or lamb in small cubes. In Chile, a typical vegetarian version of charquicán is made with Cochayuyo, our local seaweed. Now available in the US.
You may also be interested in the recipe: Chilean Beef Stew.
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Chilean Charquican
One of the oldest Chilean dishes on record.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6
Ingredients
- 1 small yellow onion, diced small
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups (1/2 pound) of winter squash (kabocha, butternut, or similar), peeled, cubed
- 5 red potatoes, peeled, cubed
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
- pinch of cumin
- 2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup each corn, green peas, or green beans (frozen is fine)
- salt, pepper, oil
- 6 eggs, to serve, optional
Instructions
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, put one tablespoon of oil. Add the onion and cook for 6-8 minutes, until soft.
- Add the meat and saute for 6 minutes.
- Add the squash, potatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, cumin, and paprika. Stir. Add the broth and cook cover for 15 minutes, simmering. Reduce the heat if need it.
- With a fork, mash the potatoes and squash.
- Add corn, peas, and green beans. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until hot.
- Fried the eggs if using.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning. Serve hot with a fried egg on top.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stove-cooked
- Cuisine: Chilean
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6.3 g
- Sodium: 353 mg
- Fat: 15.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 6.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40.8 g
- Fiber: 5.3 g
- Protein: 26.5 g
I was born in Chile. Your recipes are so much like my mom’s. Delicious. Love them
I’m so glad they are like you remember. Welcome to the blog!
Thank you for sharing this recipe Pilar. I’ve loved Charquicán for as long as I can remember. I’m looking to making meal prep as I have a little one on the way and I was wondering if Charquicán freezes well? Thank you
It does not. Sadly. Potatoes are tricky to freeze and in my opinion it changes textures.
Congratulations Pilar, thank so much for sharing your recipes, looks delicious 😋
You are welcome Veronica.
Gracias por la deliciosa receta
De nada. Bienvenida al blog.
Gracias, Pilar!
Chilena 🇨🇱 en Pennsylvania.
Abrazos 🤗
Saludos Lita. Gracias por comentar.