Chilean Celebration

TOSSED GREEN SALAD

     Although it has been two weeks since the fantastic rescue of 33 Chilean miners who spent more than two months trapped thousands of feet below the ground, I still find myself thinking about these men and their amazing strength. They were tested physically, emotionally and spiritually to the absolute limits that most of us could ever imagine. And now that they have survived those many days in the mine, they will be tested in new ways as they are thrown into a whirlwind of celebrity that is just as unimaginable.
     In the first few days following the men's "return to life," I read many articles and updates in hopes of gaining insight to the joys and celebrations that I was sure were abundant in their hearts, as well as those of their loved ones. This has been a rare opportunity for the world to see the miracle of hope realized. That so many critical elements could come together and allow these people to survive is certainly miraculous. And how does one celebrate such an astonishing event? I couldn't help but wonder what the wives and mothers, friends and brothers of the miners were planning in honor of the occasion. I pictured huge picnics and potlucks with the entire community coming together with all the best food and drink and, I am sure, plenty of song and dance! I wished that I could be a part of it all. So I did a little research and decided to throw a celebration of my own. A mini version of the meals that were being shared all over Chile, giving thanks to the hundreds of people who worked so diligently to make the rescue a reality and to the forces of the universe that gave these men the will to thrive against all odds.

     Ours was a small festivity, just my husband and me, but my heart could not have been more full of joy and my belly could not have been more full of delicious food! I was completely unfamiliar with the culinary delights of Chile, but discovered that they are a rich combination of Latin, European and even Indian flavors. Many of the truly authentic recipes were a bit intimidating to me, not to mention hard to replicate without a bit of planning and some special ordering. Suffice it to say, Chileans make use of certain animals and certain animal parts that you just don't find in American supermarkets! I did, however, find some recipes that held true to the spirit of Chilean cooking and also appealed to my more delicate sensibilities. I can honestly say that I have never tasted anything quite so fantastically flavorful; a deep combination of sweet and spicy but with a nice full warmth rather than an overwhelming heat. I am sharing a few of the recipes that we enjoyed at our "Chilean Celebration" and hope that you will give them a try and let them lead you to experiment with more tasty dishes from a country that has given us all reason to have a little party!

     BAKED CHICKEN WITH CHILEAN BARBECUE SAUCE

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 Tbsp minced garlic
• 1/2 c finely chopped bell pepper, any color
• 1/2 c honey
• 1/4 c worcestershire sauce
• 1 small can tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
• pinch of dried oregano
• dash of Tabasco sauce (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 Tbsp dry mustard
• 1/2 c chicken broth
• 3 cups cooked brown rice, for serving

     Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place chicken breasts in a large glass baking dish and bake for 30 minutes.
     Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Saute onion, garlic and bell pepper for 2-3 minutes. Add all other ingredients, except the chicken broth, and simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes. Add the broth and continue simmering while the chicken finishes baking, about another 15 minutes.
     Allow the chicken to cool slightly, then cut it into bite sized pieces and return it to the baking dish. Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss to coat. Cover the dish tightly with foil and return it to bake in the 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 15 minutes. 
     Serve over brown rice.
     Yields 4 servings.  Gluten-free.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH WITH BLAKEYED PEAS

Traditionally, this dish would be prepared using dried peas which require overnight soaking and a fairly long cook time. This is a quick version that uses canned black eyed peas and squash which has been cooked briefly in the microwave.

• 2 cans low-sodium black eyed peas, rinsed and drained
• 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1" cubes
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1/2 - 1 whole jalapeno pepper, depending on desired heat, minced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 Tbsp dried oregano
• 3/4 Tbsp Spanish paprika
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp coriander
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• 2 c frozen sweet corn
• salt to taste, up to 1/2 tsp

     Place cut squash in a microwave safe dish with 2 tablespoons water. Cover. Microwave at full power for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.

     In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat and gently saute onion, garlic and jalapeno for 2-3 minutes. Add spices and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds. Add black eyed peas and tomatoes and stir to combine. Continue to cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add corn and squash and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. Taste and add salt to your liking.

     Serve as a side dish or over rice, as a vegetarian entree.

     Yields 4-6 servings. Gluten-free and Vegan!

CHILEAN CHICKEN WITH RICE, BLACK EYED PEAS & TOSSED GREEN SALAD

     Our meal was rounded out with gluten-free cornbread and a tossed green salad composed of a simple bed of greens combined with green and red grapes and chopped fresh peaches. The salad was dressed with a vinaigrette made of olive oil, Balsamic vinegar, honey and a pinch of crushed red pepper. Serve a nice cold glass of iced tea or a frozen drink of your choice and don't forget to toast "los 33," their families and all the men and women who aided in their rescue. Salud!!