By Valentina Saavedra

In honour of my battered yet resilient country of birth and the wonderfully simple yet robust dishes we grew up with I’d like to introduce you to yet another classic dish so let’s keep all things Chilean!

And here is a “poor man’s” dish – as they call them back home.

The idea behind a poor mans dish is that you should be able to grab whatever you have in your pantry/fridge throw it together quickly and cheaply and come out with a wonderfully textured meal. Add a traditional Chilean tomato and onion salad a good glass of wine and you’re good to go!

The thing about Chilean food is that its not meant to be exact- it’s about feeling your way through it, tasting as you go, it’s meant to be an experience… trust your instincts and change it up a little only one rule in mami’s house – keep it real

Viva Chile!

Here’s what you’ll need

• 3 lbs of peeled potatoes

• ½ a medium sized squash

• 2 cups chopped carrots

• 1 lb of ground beef

• Vegetable oil

• 1 large chopped Spanish onion

• 2 cups of corn

• 1 cup of peas

• cumin

• garlic

• oregano

• salt

Now get to work!
Chop the squash and potatoes and bring to a boil together until cooked
Boil the carrots, peas and corn together in another pot until cooked
Pour some oil on a pan and fry the onions, garlic, salt and spices until onions are golden
Add meat to fried onions and fry until fully cooked
Once everything is cooked in a large pot or bowl mash the potatoes and squash until fully mixed but not totally smooth – you should have some chunky potato bits in there
Add all other ingredients to the mashed potatoes/squash mix and stir until it’s one big mash up!

Serves 6 Chileans or 12 regular people (or one hungry Ted – my Canadian hubby)