Cazuela

What is Cazuela?

Cazuela is the name for many tasty dishes from South America. The word "cazuela" means "cooking pot" in Spanish because these dishes are often cooked in a special shallow pot made of unglazed earthenware.

These dishes are usually comforting soups made by cooking meats and vegetables together. People enjoy cazuela in many places because it is warm and filling.

Chilean Cazuela

In Chile, cazuela is very popular. It is often made with chicken or beef, but can also use pork, lamb, or turkey. The ingredients are cooked separately and then mixed together when it is time to eat.

Chilean cazuela is served with squash, potatoes, green beans, rice, and sweetcorn. It is often topped with fresh coriander or parsley.

Puerto Rican Cazuela

In Puerto Rico, cazuela is a special pie without a crust. It is cooked in banana leaves and often made during the Christmas season. This pie is similar to a pumpkin pie but includes sweet potato, calabasa, raisins, ginger, and coconut milk.

Other Fun Facts

In southern Arizona, people sometimes make cazuela with special dried beef called carne seca or machaca. It is mixed with potatoes, garlic, green chiles, and herbs to make a tasty dish.