Curanto - Chile's traditional art of hot stone cooking

Описание: Ever savoured a meat and seafood feast cooked in a freshly dug dirt pit with nothing but rocks and giant prehistoric leaves? It’s actually real.

We're constantly captivated by the ancient art of hot stone cooking, no matter how many times we've seen it done in various parts of the world (check out our Papua video!). Curanto is Chile's version of this art, and it's been practised for more than 10,000 years on the charming Chiloe island.

We found Maria Luisa keeping this art alive together with her daughter, Carol, in their family home 10km from the Chilote city of Ancud. We get the chance to help them out in the cooking, and discover that Maria has hosted Curanto gatherings for over 30 years!

The preparation method is physically demanding but the ladies take it all in their stride. Carol first starts a fire in the pit to heat up the hot rocks for about an hour (more when the weather is cold and wet). While this is being done, Maria prepares the shellfish, meats, and chapalele (potato dough pancakes) that will be cooked in the pit.

Once the rocks are hot enough, everything takes place in rapid motion. The ashes are removed and the rocks are lined with giant Nalca leaves, before the ingredients are layered in the pit. The seafood goes in first so the vapour that is generated from its liquid rises to cook the meats above, then the meat goes on top so its drippings can help to season the seafood below. The pit is then quickly sealed with burlap and fresh dirt.

An hour later, an excited group of travelers join us for the big unveil, helping to scoop massive portions of the cooked food out of the pit as the steam pours out. The smell that fills the air only fuels everyone's appetites, and we wash the delectable feast down with Chilean white wine, grateful for Maria and Carol's hospitality this beautiful afternoon in Chiloe.

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