Chupe de Locos: A Creamy Delight from Chile
Chupe de locos is a delicious traditional Chilean dish that beautifully showcases the flavors of the ocean with its rich and creamy sauce. This dish, featuring the unique flavor of locos (also known as abalone), is perfect for special occasions or a cozy family dinner. Let’s embark on a culinary journey to create this delightful dish that will leave your taste buds singing.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Large locos or cooked locos from a jar | 4 large or 1 jar |
| Bread (can be a marraqueta or 3 slices of sandwich bread) | 1 loaf/slices |
| Liquid milk | 3/4 cup |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Red bell pepper, diced | 1 piece |
| Grated cheese | 3/4 cup |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Butter | 1 teaspoon |
| Chopped parsley (optional) | To garnish |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 300 |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Total Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
Instructions
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Cooking the Locos: If you are using fresh locos, start by cooking them in a pot of salted water for approximately 50 minutes until tender. Once cooked, remove them from the pot and chop into small cubes. If using jarred locos, they are already cooked and ready for use.
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Soaking the Bread: Take your bread and soak it in the liquid milk for about 20 minutes. Once soaked, strain the bread to remove any excess milk.
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Sautéing the Aromatics: In a skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Next, introduce the diced red bell pepper and cook for an additional 2 minutes until softened.
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Combining Ingredients: In the skillet, add the chopped locos, the soaked bread, and approximately 1/2 cup of the cooking broth from the locos or the broth that comes in the jar. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
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Adding Flavor: Sprinkle in half of the grated cheese, add the butter, and season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
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Preparing for Baking: Transfer the mixture into a baking dish, ideally one made of clay (greda), but any oven-safe dish will work.
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Final Touch: Top the mixture with the remaining grated cheese, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
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Baking: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
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Garnishing: Once baked, remove from the oven and, if desired, sprinkle with chopped parsley for an added touch of freshness and color.
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Serving: Serve warm and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors in this traditional Chupe de locos, making it a true gastronomic experience.
Tips for a Perfect Chupe de Locos
- Choosing the Right Locos: If you can find fresh locos at your local market, they will offer the best flavor and texture. However, jarred locos are a convenient option that still delivers delicious results.
- Customizing the Cheese: While traditional recipes call for a specific type of cheese, feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese varieties for a unique flavor twist.
- Serving Suggestions: Chupe de locos pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine, making it a perfect dish for entertaining guests.
Enjoy this luscious Chupe de locos, which not only nourishes the body but also warms the soul, embodying the rich culinary heritage of Chile!
