Recipes from Chile

In my mothers house in Santiago (Chile), we used to eat these Calzones Rotos. Typically eaten during winter and best on a rainy day. She used to produce this large round plate with a mountain of Calzones Rotos. These were part of our 'onces' (elevenses). Not a morning tea at all!. An 'once' is a meal eaten at around 5pm or 6pm. Typically is just a hot drink of tea with bread and jam. A more lavish 'once' will have cold cuts of meat, cakes, and these fried delicacies. Another very popular dish is Sopaipillas, made with pumpkin and eaten dry or soaked in a sweat sugary syrup. Delicious! Again, best on a rainy day!

Serves 6

3 c flour, sifted

1½ t baking powder

½ c powdered sugar, sifted

2 T butter, softened

1 egg

2 yolks

1 t lemon rind

1 T water

oil for frying

Combine the flour, baking powder, eggs and powdered sugar. Incorporate the softened butter, adding small amounts of water if necessary to form a dough. Roll out to a thickness of ¼ inch (½ cm). Cut into 5x10 cm rectangles. Cut a 1-inch slit lengthwise near one end of the rectangle and insert the other end through it. Fry in hot oil and drain on paper towels. Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately.

AVOCADO DIP

We had three avocado trees in my house in Santiago. I could pick the fruit from my bedroom window (in the second floor of the house). I love them!

Ingredients

½ red onion and 2 tomatoes (chopped up finely)

1 T balsamic vinegar or lemon juice

Salt, pepper and olive oil

2 ripe avocados cut in small pieces – without mashing

Cut the onion, with the salt and pepper and leave to rest for a few minutes, (15min if you have time). 

Add the rest of the ingredients and enjoy with your choice of chips, rice or vegetables.

(Graciela Albrecht)