Latin American > Chile > Seafood

Chilean Curanto en Olla with Crab Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 lbs. of clams
- 2 lbs. of mussels
- 2 lbs. of potatoes
- 2 lbs. of sweet potatoes
- 2 lbs. of pork ribs
- 2 lbs. of chicken thighs
- 2 lbs. of chorizo sausage
- 2 lbs. of pork belly
- 2 lbs. of fresh crab
- 1 lb. of fresh green beans
- 1 lb. of fresh corn on the cob
- 1 lb. of fresh peas
- 1 lb. of fresh pumpkin
- 1 lb. of fresh squash
- 1 lb. of fresh green onions
- 1 lb. of fresh cilantro
- 1 lb. of fresh oregano
- 1 lb. of fresh garlic
- 1 lb. of fresh ginger
- 1 lb. of fresh hot peppers
- 1 lb. of fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot or olla
- Banana leaves or parchment paper
- Large steamer basket

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Wash and clean all the seafood, vegetables, and herbs.
2. Cut the potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and squash into large chunks.
3. Cut the chorizo sausage into bite-sized pieces.
4. Season the pork ribs and chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
5. Crush the garlic and ginger into a paste.
6. In a large pot or olla, layer the banana leaves or parchment paper on the bottom.
7. Add the pork belly, chicken thighs, pork ribs, and chorizo sausage on top of the banana leaves or parchment paper.
8. Add a layer of potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and squash on top of the meat.
9. Add the clams, mussels, and fresh crab on top of the vegetables.
10. Add a layer of green beans, corn on the cob, and peas on top of the seafood.
11. Add the garlic and ginger paste, fresh hot peppers, fresh oregano, and fresh cilantro on top of the vegetables.
12. Pour the fresh lemon juice over everything.
13. Cover the pot or olla with more banana leaves or parchment paper.
14. Place the pot or olla on a large steamer basket over high heat.
15. Steam the curanto for about 2 hours or until all the ingredients are cooked through.
16. Remove the pot or olla from the heat and let it rest for 10 minutes.
17. Remove the banana leaves or parchment paper from the top of the pot or olla.
18. Serve the curanto in bowls, making sure to include a variety of ingredients in each serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Temperature:
High heat
Serving size:
8-10 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 550
Total Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 150mg
Sodium: 1000mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 6g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 45g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Any type of seafood can be used in place of the clams, mussels, or crab.
- Any type of sausage can be used in place of the chorizo sausage.
- Any type of vegetable can be used in place of the potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, squash, green beans, corn on the cob, or peas.

Variations:
- Add other types of seafood, such as shrimp or scallops.
- Use different types of meat, such as beef or lamb.
- Add other types of vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers.
- Use different types of herbs and spices, such as thyme or paprika.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to layer the ingredients in the pot or olla in the correct order to ensure even cooking.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Serve with crusty bread or rice to soak up the flavorful broth.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the curanto in a pot over low heat until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the curanto in a large bowl with a ladle for guests to serve themselves.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.

Garnishes:
- Fresh cilantro or parsley

Pairings:
- Crusty bread or rice

Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled vegetables
- Salad

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the curanto is not cooked through after 2 hours, continue to steam until all the ingredients are cooked.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure all the seafood is fresh and properly cleaned before cooking.
- Cook the curanto to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure all the meat is cooked through.

Food history:
- Curanto is a traditional Chilean dish that originated on the island of Chiloé.

Flavor profiles:
- Savory, spicy, and slightly sweet.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve with a glass of Chilean red wine.

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Region: Chilean

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Spicy, Briny, Umami, Hearty