Curanto as comfort food — exactly what I needed

Some dishes exist to comfort and Curanto is absolutely in that category. The fresh from the sea quality works on something almost primal — you feel the warmth of it immediately. merkén smoked chilli does work that no substitute can replicate.

Chilean cuisine reflects the extraordinary length of the country with Pacific seafood, Andean ingredients, and Patagonian lamb all defining different regions. There's something about the a family asado context that reinforces the comfort effect. Carménère alongside is the traditional way and it makes complete sense. I come back to this dish when I need something dependable and restorative.