Chorrillana

When you spend time abroad, the food of that place becomes a part of you. When you eat them it brings you back to the place of its origin. For me at least having falafel, hummus, or shawarma here in the United States does not stack up to anything I ate while I was living in Tel Aviv. I have friends that have been all over the world. I always ask them how the food was and what kind of food they ate while they were there. One of my good friends went to study abroad in Chile during college. The only idea I had about Chilean food was Pisco, and anything that was on Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations. I asked my friend what we could make that was authentically Chilean. She told me we should make Chorrillana. Chorrillana is a favorite meal in the area of Valparaiso and Vina del Mar in Chile. It consists of strips of beef, fried onions, fried eggs, and french fries. If you are opposed to fried eggs and would like to make scrambled eggs that is perfectly fine due to the fact that some places in Chile use scrambled eggs for their Chorrillana. When cooking the onions and the beef be sure to use seasoning such as crushed garlic, ground black pepper, salt, and Merken. Merken is a special chili pepper that is dried and smoked that is used a lot in Chile. If you cannot find Merken in the grocery store, you can use hot smoked paprika instead.To assemble the Chorrillana, you will need to use the french fries as a base. Then you will place the fried onions and beef strips next. Finally you will top the Chorrillana with the fried eggs. When you eat the Chorrillana be sure to have a partner in crime with you. My friend tells me that the portions of Chorrillana should be obscene. The larger the better. This is a perfect meal if you are hungover. Its is basically what your body needs anyway with all of that starch and protein if you are feeling the effects from a night of drinking. Chorrillana can most definitely be considered Chilean comfort food and a comfort food of mine now that I have tasted it. If you like food spicy, do not be afraid to use your favorite hot sauce as a condiment to the Chorrillana. For a taste of Chile that is very easy to make at home, give Chorrillana a try!