Valdiviano

Valdiviano is a classic Chilean soup that originates from Valdivia, Chile. Its history dates back to 1598 when Spanish soldiers, exhausted from the Disaster of Curalaba, found themselves with jerky as their primary food source. In an effort to enhance their meals, they combined the jerky with onions, parsley, oregano, cumin, and chili, creating what we now know as Valdiviano soup.

The traditional recipe includes charqui (jerky), cooking oil, onions, parsley, oregano, cumin, and chili. However, modern cooks often replace the charqui with minced meat or even leftover barbecue, much like the preparation of Charquicán.

Valdiviano is not just a dish; it’s a piece of history. It narrates the story of Spanish soldiers in Chile, highlighting their resourcefulness and determination in the face of hardship. This soup is more than just a meal—it's a tribute to resilience and culinary ingenuity.