Tomatican I
Tomatican I Recipe - Vegetarian Food from Chile
Introduction
Tomatican is a traditional Chilean dish that combines the flavors of tomatoes, corn, onions, and garlic. This simple yet delicious recipe is perfect for a quick and easy meal that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
History
Tomatican has its roots in Chilean cuisine, where it is often served as a side dish or a main course. The dish is believed to have originated in the central region of Chile, where tomatoes and corn are abundant. Over the years, tomatos have become a staple in Chilean cuisine, and tomatan has become a popular dish enjoyed by many.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) of olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 – 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 3 – 4 ripe roma tomatoes, diced
- 2 cups (500 ml) of fresh or frozen corn kernels
- salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- chopped parsley for garnish
How to prepare
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over moderate heat. Saute the onion and garlic until they are tender but not brown, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes to the skillet and simmer covered for 5 minutes.
- Next, add the corn to the skillet and simmer covered for 3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper, then serve the dish garnished with chopped parsley.
Variations
- You can customize tomatan by adding bell peppers, zucchini, or black beans for added flavor and texture.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
To enhance the flavor of tomatan, be sure to use ripe roma tomatoes and fresh corn kernels. Sauteing the onions and garlic until they are tender but not brown will help to bring out their natural sweetness. Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh and vibrant finish.
Serving Suggestions
Tomatan can be served as a side dish with grilled meats or fish, or enjoyed on its own as a light and flavorful meal.
Cooking Techniques
Sauteing the onions and garlic until they are tender, and simmering the tomatoes and corn until they are cooked through, are key cooking techniques for making tomatan.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have roma tomatoes, you can use canned diced tomatoes instead. You can also use frozen corn kernels if fresh corn is not available.
Make Ahead Tips
Tomatan can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the dish in a skillet before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Serve tomatan in a colorful bowl and garnish with fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Tomatan pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or tofu, as well as a side of rice or quinoa.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers of tomatan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of tomatan contains approximately 200 calories, making it a light and satisfying meal option.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of tomatan contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates, making it a good source of energy for your body.
Fats
With only 2 tablespoons of olive oil used in the recipe, tomatan is a low-fat dish that is heart-healthy and nutritious.
Proteins
While tomatan is not a significant source of protein, you can easily add protein to the dish by serving it with grilled chicken, beef, or fish.
Vitamins and minerals
Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber. Corn is a good source of vitamins B and E, as well as magnesium and phosphorus.
Alergens
Tomatan is a gluten-free and dairy-free dish, making it suitable for those with food allergies or sensitivities.
Summary
Overall, tomatan is a nutritious and delicious dish that is low in fat and calories, and rich in vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Tomatan is a simple and delicious Chilean dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. With its combination of tomatoes, corn, onions, and garlic, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
The moment I found this recipe is one that will always stay with me. I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her quaint little village in Chile when I stumbled upon a small, old cookbook tucked away in the back of her kitchen cupboard. As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on a recipe for Tomatican, a traditional Chilean dish that I had never heard of before.
Maria saw the look of curiosity on my face and smiled knowingly. "Ah, Tomatican," she said, her eyes sparkling with fond memories. "It's a dish that has been passed down through generations in our family. Would you like to learn how to make it?"
I eagerly agreed, and Maria began to teach me the secrets of creating this delicious and comforting dish. She explained that Tomatican is a hearty stew made with tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and potatoes, seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices that give it a unique and delicious flavor.
As we chopped, sautéed, and simmered, Maria shared stories of her own grandmother, who had taught her how to make Tomatican when she was just a young girl. She spoke of the love and care that went into every step of the cooking process, and how the aroma of the stew simmering on the stove never failed to bring a smile to her face.
By the time we sat down to enjoy the finished dish, I knew that I had stumbled upon a treasure. The flavors of the tomatoes, peppers, and herbs mingled together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that was both comforting and satisfying. I knew that I had to bring this recipe back with me and share it with my own family.
When I returned home, I wasted no time in recreating the Tomatican recipe for my husband and children. As they took their first bites, their faces lit up with delight. They savored each spoonful, savoring the rich flavors and hearty textures that filled their mouths.
From that day on, Tomatican became a regular fixture on our family's dinner table. It became a dish that we turned to in times of celebration and in times of sadness, bringing us comfort and joy with each bite. And as I continued to make the recipe, I added my own touches and tweaks, making it my own while still honoring the tradition that Maria had shared with me.
Now, as I pass the recipe for Tomatican on to my grandchildren, I think back to that fateful day in Maria's kitchen and smile. I am grateful for the chance to learn this recipe and to carry on a tradition that has brought so much joy and love into my life.
As I watch my grandchildren take their first bites of Tomatican, I know that they too will carry on the tradition, making it their own and passing it down to future generations. And as they do, I hope that they will remember the story of how I learned to make this delicious dish and the love and care that went into every spoonful.
Categories
| Chilean Recipes | Chilean Vegetarian | Corn Recipes | Garlic Recipes | Onion Recipes | Tomato Recipes |