The Travel Chica

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Learning to Cook in Chile: Ceviche, Pisco Sours y Mas!

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I love food.

When I was in Buenos Aires, I took my first cooking class ever and discovered that cooking classes are the best way to learn about and taste the traditional foods from a region.

Added bonus:  they are also really fun.

I was warned by other travelers that the food in Chile is not very good.

I disagree.

I found delicious food during my stay in Valdivia.  In addition to the amazing fresh fruit, I discovered that Chile has some tasty traditional dishes as well.

I was very excited for my Chilean cooking class in Valparaiso.

Cooking Classes Chile

There are five things that made this class special for me.

1. I got to explore another of the 45 hills in Valparaiso, which included a ride an on ascensor.

That is how I got this sweet photo.

2. We got to choose the menu.

3. We went shopping for fresh ingredients.

4. Boris, who was celebrating teaching his 100th class, is great at what he does.

He has mastered the skills of both making the class fun and keeping what could easily turn into kitchen chaos orderly and on track.

5. I left with a nice buzz but was never in danger of cutting off a finger.

Well, I am probably ALWAYS in danger of cutting off a finger when I am cooking.  But it would not be related to alcohol because Boris was sure to get all of the chopping out of the way before we started the drinking.

Smart man!

Our Chilean Menu

Pebre

When I was in Argentina, I became addicted to chimichurri, however I was never able to make my own (at least not a tasty version).

Pebre is sort of the equivalent in Chile but much spicier.  It is a salsa with a signature Chilean spice blend called Merken, which is made from smoked goat’s horn peppers and other spices like coriander seeds and cumin.

In Progress

After

Empanadas

I was in charge of mixing the dough.  Boris made sure I didn’t screw it up.

In Progress

After

Ceviche

I have said before I am not much of a cook, but that is why I appreciate the experience of a cooking class so much. 

I never thought I would make ceviche.  But we did!

You just need really fresh fish.  And of course having the Merken spice makes it Chilean style.

In Progress

After

Pastel de Choclo

I first tried this yummy, rich dish at a festival in Valdivia.  Once again, this is something else that seemed too complicated to ever make for myself.  I cannot say I will go through the effort again, but this was the best pastel de choclo I have had.

In Progress

After

Pisco Sours

Pisco sours are a MUST when eating Chilean food.  I had my FIRST pisco sour in Chiloe, but I had my FAVORITE in this class.  Boris told us he makes 6 different flavors.  We made a traditional recipe and a special recipe in this class.  While they were both delicious, the one with honey and Merken was definitely my favorite.

But here is the big secret.

Boris taught us that you must turn on some good salsa music to properly shake the piscos.

Simple Dessert

When you are in a country like Chile, there is no need for fancy sugar-laden desserts.  The simplicity of a melon is perfect.

Book Your Class!

If you are passing through Valparaiso, Cooking Classes Chile is a MUST whether you want to learn to make Chilean food or just really like to eat and enjoy a day with new friends.

Check out more photos from the cooking class!

Have you tried Chilean food before?  What are your favorite dishes?

 

 

Comments

  4. The food looks amazing and the whole class sounds like a blast. I still haven’t taken a cooking class when travelling (because since they got on my radar, I haven’t travelled to placed where they are offered), but I love the fact that yours included the shopping part. That, and the fact that you could choose the menu. Fun, fun, fun! Well, the wine doesn’t hurt either…

  7. Now this makes me really hungry…All of these are mouth-watering and I am sure a lot of people reading this makes them want to try it…
    ShirlleyFai recently posted..How To Treat Gout

  8. Holy heck, this looks delicious. Plus, it looks like a lot of fun. The Pebre and Empanadas look amazing. I would love to do this, but I’m not sure it would turn out quite as picturesque as yours.
    Elise Walsh recently posted..Hong Kong on the Cheap

  9. I totally lack the vision to make food like this. I look at the “in progress” pictures and figure that something has gone incredibly wrong and give up, yet everything looks so good at the end. Love the shot from the ascensor by the way. Gorgeous city!
    Steve recently posted..Hilton Garden Inn Spokane Airport

  10. I looooooove pebre. I don’t even need bread or crackers to go with it, I’ll eat it on salad, on chicken on anything!

    And this made me laugh, “When you are in a country like Chile, there is no need for fancy sugar-laden desserts. The simplicity of a melon is perfect.”

    You should tell that to the Chileans. I’ve never met a group of people with a bigger sweet tooth!
    Kyle recently posted..Travel Photos | The Beaches of Los Roques

  13. I’ve only ever taken a cooking class in South Africa–Malay cuisine–and I’m in complete agreement with everything you said. This looks delicious, plus a whole lot of fun. I want to go to Valparaiso!
    Camels & Chocolate recently posted..Tea & Honey

  15. Wow! I am here just wanted to tank you for the beautiful picture of Valparasio. I have been to the city in 2004 several times and your first picture is bringing sweet memories. I can still remember my ways through the container terminal to the port and we (crew) had so much fun in the city. This is the one city I can never forget in my life for several reasons. I really miss Valparasio.

    I hope you are having fun in this beautiful city!
    Sailor recently posted..Norwegian Cruise Line: Beaches of Jamaica

  17. I also absolutely LOVE the shot from the ascensor — how cool is that! I also LOL at that comment “I left with a nice buzz but was never in danger of cutting off a finger.” I hurt two of my fingers earlier today cooking healthy, delicious food. I’m OK. I also LOVE seeing you in your fotos. You are living one of my dreams. Your pix are beautiful & make my mouth water. I’m going to say it again — you are more like me than you can ever imagine. I’m going to go eat some ice cream : ) LOL

  18. Hi!
    I advise you to at least say in your blog that ceviche and pisco sour are traditional foods from Peru and not from Chile. You are confusing other tourists in thinking that those are part of the traditional chilean cuisine when in fact they are not…
    Best wishes!

  21. Pastel de Choclo looks really good.
    I love eggs and I could see a boiled egg in there :-)
    I have never been to Latin America – someday … I think for me the food would be huge draw. Saw a couple of episodes on TV the other day …

    Safe Travels,
    Madhu
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