Ensalada a la Chilena

Ensalada a la Chilena Recipe - Fresh and Flavorful Salad from Chile

Region / culture: Chile | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Ensalada a la Chilena is a traditional Chilean salad that is bursting with fresh flavors and vibrant colors. This simple yet delicious dish is perfect for a light and refreshing meal.

History

Ensalada a la Chilena has been a staple in Chilean cuisine for generations. It is a popular side dish that is often served alongside grilled meats or seafood. The combination of fresh tomatoes, onions, and chile creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients

1 large spanish onion or vidalia onion, halved lengthwise and very thinly sliced
1 tbsp salt
5 large ripe tomatoes, peeled and sliced
1 serrano or jalapeño chile, seeded and finely minced
1 tbsp minced fresh cilantro or parsley
3 tbsp vegetable oil or extra-virgin olive oil

How to prepare

Place the onion slices and salt in a bowl. Cover with cold water and let them soak for about 10 minutes.
Drain the onions in a colander and rinse them briefly under cold running water.
Shake the onions well to remove excess water.
This step will help reduce the sharpness of the onions.
Arrange the tomatoes on a platter and sprinkle them generously with salt.
Top the tomatoes with the soaked onions, chile, and cilantro.
Evenly sprinkle the oil over the salad, toss everything together to combine, and serve immediately.

Variations

Add diced avocado or cucumber to the salad for extra freshness and texture. You can also sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese on top for a creamy touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To reduce the sharpness of the onions, soak them in cold water with salt before adding them to the salad. This will help mellow out their flavor and make them more palatable.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Ensalada a la Chilena as a side dish with grilled meats or seafood. It also pairs well with rice or quinoa.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Ensalada a la Chilena is to use ripe and flavorful tomatoes. Make sure to season the salad generously with salt to bring out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find vidalia onions, you can use red onions or sweet onions as a substitute. You can also use a milder chile, such as a poblano pepper, if you prefer less heat.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the onions and tomatoes ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and develop even more.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Ensalada a la Chilena in a large platter and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color. You can also drizzle some balsamic glaze on top for a touch of sweetness.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Ensalada a la Chilena with a glass of crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. The acidity of the wine will complement the freshness of the salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Ensalada a la Chilena in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Ensalada a la Chilena contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Ensalada a la Chilena contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Ensalada a la Chilena contains approximately 9 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Ensalada a la Chilena contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Ensalada a la Chilena is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and folate.

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free. However, it contains onions and chile, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Ensalada a la Chilena is a nutritious and flavorful salad that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Ensalada a la Chilena is a simple yet flavorful salad that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by it. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Rosa in Chile. She invited me over for lunch, and as soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the most wonderful aroma.

Rosa was busy chopping tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, while a pot of corn kernels cooked on the stove. She explained to me that she was making Ensalada a la Chilena, a traditional Chilean salad that is a staple in many households.

I watched in awe as she mixed all the ingredients together, adding a splash of olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The colors of the salad were vibrant and the flavors were bold and fresh. I couldn't wait to try it.

As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite of the salad and was instantly hooked. The sweetness of the corn, the tanginess of the lemon, and the freshness of the vegetables all combined to create a symphony of flavors in my mouth.

I begged Rosa to teach me how to make the salad, and she graciously agreed. She showed me step by step how to prepare each ingredient, how to mix them together just right, and how to season the salad to perfection.

After that day, I made Ensalada a la Chilena at every opportunity. I brought it to potlucks, family gatherings, and even made it for my own children. It became a signature dish of mine, and everyone who tried it raved about how delicious it was.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks and adjustments to the recipe, adding a little more cilantro here, a little less onion there. I have also passed the recipe on to my own grandchildren, who now make it for their friends and families.

But no matter how many times I make it, Ensalada a la Chilena will always hold a special place in my heart. It reminds me of that warm summer day in Chile, of the kindness of my friend Rosa, and of the joy that good food can bring to our lives.

I am forever grateful for that first glimpse of the recipe, for it opened up a whole new world of flavors and experiences for me. And for that, I will always treasure it.