Papas con Chuchoca Chilean Polenta and Potatoes

Versión en español

Polenta and Potatoes is an old Chilean recipe called “Papas con chuchoca.” I remember like it was yesterday: sometimes, my grandmother made us go to see her friends in the countryside, where we spent the summer vacations every year, and I always feared that they would have this dish: polenta and potatoes for lunch.

I’m surprised that these old traditional Chilean dishes are so healthy; many are vegetarian and full of fiber. I serve them with salad and pork chops. You may leave them more or less thick depending on the amount of water or broth you add at the end. You can add grated Parmesan cheese when serving.

Chuchoca is a traditional ingredient in Andean cuisine, particularly in Chile, Peru, and Bolivia. It is made from the roasted and ground kernels of Andean corn called “maíz chulpe” or “maíz mote.” Chuchoca has a distinctive texture that is chewy, crunchy, and nutty. It is used in various dishes, including stews, soups, and salads. It is often used in Chile’s famous dish, Cazuelas de Vacuno (beef) or de Pollo (chicken).
I used Chuchoca from Chile, but you can use polenta or stone-ground coarse cornmeal in the USA.

Visit our collection of Chilean recipes here.

Papas con Chuchoca Chilean Polenta and Potatoes

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A quick and comforting traditional Chilean dish.

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4

Ingredients

Units USM

• 1 onion, chopped into small cubes
• 300 grams of yellow squash (butternut or winter squash), diced
• 4–5 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup polenta
• salt, pepper, sweet smoked paprika or Merquén

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Instructions

1. Heat two tablespoons of butter or two tablespoons of oil in a big skillet.
2. Add chopped onion and paprika or Merkén. Cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   
3. Add the chopped potatoes and squash, and add salt. Cover with hot water, about 3 cups. Use the photo as a reference.
   
4. Cook covered for 20 minutes, add the polenta, let it fall like rain, stirring to avoid lumps.
   
5. Cook 5 minutes more.
6. Crush some of the potatoes and squash.
   
7. Taste, adjust the seasoning, and serve hot.

• Author: Pilar Hernandez
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stove-cooked
• Cuisine: Chilean
• Diet: Vegetarian