Chile’s Iconic Pastry: The Enduring Legacy of Calzones Rotos
Calzones Rotos, or “torn underwear,” might sound like an unusual name, but this unique treat holds a special place in Chilean culture. With its twisted shape and golden crust, it symbolizes warmth, resilience, and family tradition. For generations, this pastry has brought comfort to Chilean homes, especially during cold winters. Today, it continues to evoke nostalgia and unity among families.
A Tradition Rooted in Family and Heritage
This pastry likely originated within Chile’s Mapuche communities. Over time, its popularity spread nationwide. Families cherished Calzones Rotos, particularly in winter, when they would gather around warm stoves to prepare them. The simple ingredients—flour, butter, eggs, and sugar—made this dessert accessible, even in tough times. Because of this, it became a symbol of resilience in Chilean culture.
Making Calzones Rotos was more than cooking; it was a family ritual. As loved ones prepared them, they would chat, share stories, and laugh. This bonding experience turned the recipe into a way of passing down tradition, capturing the spirit of family and Chilean togetherness.
The Playful Name and Distinct Shape
The name “Calzones Rotos” refers to the pastry’s distinctive shape, which resembles “torn underwear.” This playful touch adds charm, making it even more memorable. To achieve the unique shape, bakers cut a slit in the dough and pull one end through, creating a twisted knot. This method gives it an instantly recognizable form, helping it become an emblem of Chilean cuisine.
While the name may bring a smile, the pastry holds deep significance. Each twist in the dough reflects generations of skill and creativity. Families take pride in crafting it by hand, using traditional techniques that honor their heritage.
Resilience in Times of Hardship
This treat gained popularity in challenging economic times, as it required only basic ingredients and minimal preparation. For many families, making these pastries together offered comfort and joy, even with limited resources. Preparing them together fostered resilience and solidarity, showing that small moments of connection can bring happiness.
Today, this message of resilience is part of each batch. The tradition reveals that even in difficult times, a shared meal can provide comfort, teaching the importance of finding joy in everyday life.
A Legacy Across the Globe
In recent years, Calzones Rotos has become popular beyond Chile, especially among Chilean communities worldwide. For expatriates, they hold a special place at family gatherings and cultural events. Each one offers a taste of home and a way to stay connected to Chile’s roots. By sharing this pastry, they introduce others to the flavors and traditions of their homeland.
This iconic dessert embodies the heart of Chilean culture: a taste of home, a reminder of family, and a tribute to enduring traditions.
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Chilean Calzones Rotos
Ingredients
Instructions
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Sift the flour together with the baking powder and the powdered sugar.
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Add the margarine cut into pieces, the egg, the egg yolks and mix.
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Gradually add the warm milk until it forms a dough that does not stick to your hands.
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Mix until a homogeneous dough is obtained.
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Let the dough rest covered with a cloth for 10 minutes.
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Once the dough is ready, usleree it to a thickness of about 1 centimeter.
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Cut strips of 3 centimeters wide and then cut the same strips in the shape of a rhombus.
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Make an incision in the middle of the rhombus and pass one end of the rhombus through the hole in the center, and stretch it.
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Fry in deep oil at 180°C until lightly browned, take them out and let them dry on paper towels.
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Serve with powdered sugar sprinkled on top.
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Your Traditional Calzones Rotos is ready. ¡Buen provecho!
