Curanto
Chilean Earth Oven Feast
A traditional Chiloé island feast cooked in an earth pit (curanto al hoyo). This method uses superheated stones to steam a layered combination of shellfish, meats, potatoes, and traditional potato dumplings, all wrapped in nalca leaves. It's a communal cooking and eating experience.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 kg Clams(Such as puyes or almejas, scrubbed clean)
- 2 kg Mussels(Scrubbed and debearded)
- 1 whole Chicken(Cut into large serving pieces)
- 1 kg Pork ribs(Cut into individual ribs or smaller sections)
- 1 kg Sausages(Chorizo or other firm, flavorful sausages)
- 2 kg Potatoes(Large, starchy potatoes, peeled and halved or quartered)
- 12 Chapaleles(Traditional Chilean potato dumplings (see notes for preparation))
- 12 Milcaos(Traditional Chilean potato pancakes (see notes for preparation))
- generous amount Nalca leaves(Large Chilean rhubarb leaves, used for wrapping and steaming. If unavailable, large banana leaves or parchment paper can be substituted, though the traditional flavor will be altered.)
- as needed Water(To create steam)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the pit and heat the stones: Dig a pit in the ground, approximately 1 meter deep and 1.5 meters in diameter. Build a large, hot fire in the pit using dry hardwood. Place large, smooth stones (river stones are ideal, avoid porous or cracked stones that could explode) directly into the fire. Allow the fire to burn for 2-3 hours, ensuring the stones become extremely hot. The goal is to have glowing embers and intensely hot stones.
⏱️ 3 hours - 2
Prepare the ingredients: While the stones are heating, prepare all the food. Scrub the clams and mussels thoroughly. Cut the chicken into large pieces. Cut the pork ribs into manageable portions. Prepare the chapaleles and milcaos according to their respective recipes. Peel and cut the potatoes. Ensure all ingredients are ready for layering.
⏱️ 1 hour - 3
Layer the pit: Once the stones are red-hot and the fire has died down to embers, carefully remove the largest burning logs and embers from the pit using long-handled tools. The pit floor should be covered with a thick layer of intensely hot stones. Begin layering the food directly onto the hot stones. Start with the nalca leaves to create a base layer and prevent direct contact with the stones. Then, layer the ingredients in the following order, from bottom to top: shellfish (clams and mussels), then the meats (chicken, pork ribs, sausages), followed by the potatoes, and finally the chapaleles and milcaos. Ensure the nalca leaves are used to cover each layer as you go, creating a seal.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 4
Create steam and seal the pit: Once all ingredients are layered and covered with nalca leaves, place several large, wet burlap sacks (or thick, wet blankets) over the nalca leaves. This is crucial for creating steam. Immediately cover the wet burlap with a thick layer of soil, sealing the pit completely. The steam generated from the wet burlap and the moisture from the food will cook everything. The temperature inside the pit will reach approximately 150-200°C (300-400°F) due to the hot stones and trapped steam.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 5
Cook (steam) the curanto: Allow the curanto to steam for 1.5 to 2.5 hours. The exact time will depend on the size of the pit, the heat of the stones, and the density of the ingredients. Listen for the sound of steam escaping, which indicates the cooking process is underway. After about 1.5 hours, you can carefully uncover a small section to check for doneness. The shellfish should be open, the chicken and pork cooked through, and the potatoes tender.
⏱️ 1.5 to 2.5 hours - 6
Unearth and serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the soil and burlap. The nalca leaves will have wilted and infused the food with their unique aroma. Serve the curanto directly from the pit, ensuring each person receives a mix of shellfish, meats, potatoes, and dumplings. This is a communal meal, best enjoyed immediately.
⏱️ 30 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Stone selection is critical: Use dense, non-porous stones that can withstand high heat without cracking or exploding. Beach stones are often suitable.
- ✓Layering strategy: Place items that take longer to cook (like whole chicken pieces and dense meats) closer to the hot stones, and quicker-cooking items (like shellfish and dumplings) on top.
- ✓Nalca leaves impart a subtle, earthy flavor. If substituting, consider adding a few bay leaves or a sprig of rosemary to the steam for added aroma.
- ✓This is a traditional community event. Gathering friends and family to help dig, build the fire, and share the meal is part of the experience.
- ✓Ensure adequate ventilation when digging and working around the pit, especially during the initial fire-building stage.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Curanto en olla: A simplified version cooked in a large pot or Dutch oven, suitable for smaller gatherings or when an earth pit is not feasible. The ingredients are layered similarly, and the pot is covered and steamed.
- Seafood focus: Increase the variety and quantity of seafood, adding fish fillets, shrimp, or scallops.
- Vegetable additions: Include other root vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes, or hardy greens like cabbage leaves.
🏷️ Tags
🍽️ Pairs Well With
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