Quinoa Salad Tabbouleh-Style

My quinoa addiction started during my holiday in South America, where I ordered this refreshing quinoa at almost every meal.  I find the taste of quinoa itself to be quite mild, maybe slightly nutty, but I absolutely love the crunchy texture and fluffy consistency.  Sometimes I feel like I am betraying my natural affinity for white … Continue reading

Palta Reina

Palta Reina was one of the first dishes Jen and I tried once we crossed the Andes into Chile last year. After eating some ridiculously delicious cows and lamb in Argentina, Chilean cuisine was a nice change of scene. Many of the dishes were still on the heavier side (Chileans LOVE their mayo), but we … Continue reading

Chilean Cuisine Cooking Class

In December 2011, Natalya and I were fortunate to have the opportunity to travel to South America for a holiday.  In Argentina, we were able to fulfill all our foodie dreams of Argentine steak, chimichurri, and bold red wines.  By the time we had crossed the Andean Lakes into Chile, we were completely beef-ed out and the cow population had probably … Continue reading

Chirimoya Alegre (Happy Custard Apple)

Mark Twain once called the chirimoya “the most delicious fruit known to men” and I wholeheartedly agree.  On my most recent trip to Chile, I was able to taste the rich, velvety sweetness of a chirimoya for the first time.  Chirimoya, also spelled cherimoya, is a fruit native to the Andes and is grown throughout … Continue reading

Fritas de Queso (Cheese Empanadas)

An empanada is a small, stuffed pastry that is either baked (al horno) or fried (frito).  The name comes from the verb empanar, meaning to wrap or coat in bread.  Empanadas derive their origins from Galicia, Spain and Portugal from way back in medieval Iberia times.  Today, these savory little morsels are ubiquitous in Latin … Continue reading

Pastel de Choclo (Chilean Corn Pie)

Pastel de Choclo is a very beloved, traditional Chilean dish that is typically eaten during the summer time.  This casserole is made with beef sautéed with onions, chicken, olives, and hard boiled egg pieces covered with dough made of fresh corn.  It is traditionally baked in a clay dish (in a wood burning oven if you really want to … Continue reading

Chilean Pisco Sour

There has been a fierce battle raging for over a century in the southern hemisphere.  That’s right, I am talking about the highly debated national origin of the Pisco Sour.  Chile and Peru both claim this frothy cocktail as their national drink with a National Pisco Sour Day to legitimize their claims: Peru’s is celebrated the first Saturday in … Continue reading

Pebre & Chancho en Piedra (Chilean Salsa)

When Natalya and I were recently traveling through Chile, we found the two most popular condiments restaurants served with their starter bread were a roasted red pepper purée and and Chancho en Piedra (Chilean salsa).  We were huge fans of the salsa as it complemented any foods, such as bread, empanadas, grilled meats, fish, and so on. The base … Continue reading

Ensalada Chilena

On our most recent holiday in South America, Natalya and I were completely wowed by the cuisine of Chile.  Chilean cuisine and cooking techniques are quite simplistic but what defines Chilean cuisine to me is the ultimate freshness of the produce.  I felt that every fruit and vegetable I tasted in Chile was by far the best I had … Continue reading

Food Comas: Top 10 in 2011

Happy New Year from Food Comas! Here is the round up of the top 10 recipes and dining reviews in 2011 based on page views.  Click on the title or image to see each post. Last Year: Food Comas: Top 10 in 2010 TOP 10 RECIPES 1. Baked Peppers Stuffed with Ground Beef, Wild Rice … Continue reading