Chilean Curanto (Seafood and Meat Stew)

Curanto is a hearty dish from Chile’s southern region, particularly the Chiloé Archipelago, where both sea and land unite to create an unforgettable feast. Its preparation often unfolds as a community event, bringing people together around a pit filled with hot stones.

Into this pit goes a layered arrangement of shellfish, meats, and potatoes, all steamed under leaves or damp cloths until every component is tender and bursting with flavour. The result is a mouth-watering meal that captures the essence of Chilean coastal life and culinary heritage.

What Is Curanto?

Curanto is a rustic stew that blends shellfish; clams, mussels, or other local favourites, with assorted meats such as pork, chicken, or sausage.

Over these ingredients, people sometimes place potatoes, chapaleles (potato based dumplings), or milcaos (potato cakes) to soak up the savoury juices rising from below.

Traditionally, the cooking happens outdoors, but modern variations sometimes use large pots or even ovens. Regardless of the method, the spirit of Curanto remains the same: it’s a communal dish that thrives on shared experiences and generous portions.

Ingredients and Taste

The flavours of Curanto mirror the richness of Chiloé’s landscape. Shellfish deliver a briny freshness that pairs well with the smokiness imparted by the hot stones and the juices released by the meats.

The potatoes absorb this medley of flavours, becoming soft and flavourful. Pork brings richness, while chicken adds a lighter element that balances the stew.

Chapaleles or milcaos contribute a satisfying bite, each carrying a pleasant, earthy note from the potatoes. In every bite, you’ll sense the harmony between land and sea, with each layer contributing its own distinctive taste and texture.

Depending on personal preference, some cooks enhance the dish with local spices or additional vegetables.

The result is always hearty, warming, and deeply satisfying, ideal for gatherings where conversation flows and plates are passed around with enthusiasm. Curanto’s appeal lies in the natural way it blends diverse ingredients into a single, comforting meal.

A Taste of History

Curanto dates back centuries, shaped by the traditions of the indigenous communities of Chiloé, who devised this unique method of earth-and-stone cooking.

Over time, as Spanish colonizers and other settlers made their way to the islands, new ingredients were introduced, but the fundamental technique remained intact.

This communal style of cooking, where neighbours gather to share not just food, but also stories, is a testament to the local culture’s emphasis on togetherness and hospitality.

Today, Curanto endures as a potent symbol of Chiloé’s heritage, reminding everyone who tastes it of the region’s strong connection to the land and sea.

Whether prepared in a backyard pit or in a big pot on the stove, the essence of Curanto remains unchanged, carrying the warmth and generosity of Chilean tradition in every flavourful spoonful.