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Keshi Yena

Keshi Yena, Aruba's national dish, is a culinary gem that encapsulates the island's rich heritage and diverse flavors. Meaning "stuffed cheese" in the local language, this dish combines European and Caribbean influences to create a one-of-a-kind gastronomic experience.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine aruba, Caribbean
Servings 4 people
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 rounds of Edam or Gouda cheese approximately 4-6 ounces each
  • 2 cups of cooked chicken or beef shredded or diced
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 1 bell pepper finely chopped
  • 2 tomatoes diced
  • 1/2 cup of raisins optional
  • 2 cloves of garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil for sautéing

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Carefully slice off the top of each cheese round to create a lid. Set aside the lids.
  • Gently hollow out the cheese rounds, removing the inner cheese to create a hollow shell. Be sure to leave a thick enough layer of cheese intact to maintain the shape and structure. Reserve the removed cheese for later use.
  • In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté the onions and bell peppers until they become tender and slightly caramelized.
  • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  • Incorporate the shredded or diced chicken or beef into the skillet and cook until it is heated through. If using uncooked meat, ensure it is fully cooked before adding the vegetables.
  • Stir in the diced tomatoes, raisins (if using), ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasonings as desired.
  • Place the hollowed-out cheese rounds in a baking dish. Spoon the meat and vegetable mixture into each cheese shell, packing it tightly.
  • Replace the cheese lids on top of each filled round, creating a seal.
  • Bake the filled cheese rounds in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the filling is heated through.
  • Once cooked, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
  • Serve the Keshi Yena while still warm, allowing each person to enjoy their own stuffed cheese round. You can accompany it with a side salad or traditional Aruban sides such as funchi (a cornmeal-based dish) or pan bati (a type of cornbread).

Notes

Enjoy the rich flavors and delightful textures of this Aruban national dish!
Keyword Aruba national dish, Aruban cuisine, Aruban culture, Bell peppers, Chicken or beef filling, Culinary heritage, Edam cheese, European and Caribbean fusion, Food lovers, Fusion of traditions, Gouda cheese, Keshi Yena, Onions, Stuffed cheese, Traditional recipe