Chiles en nogada facts for kids
![]() Chile en nogada prepared for serving
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Type | Stuffed vegetable |
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Course | Main |
Place of origin | Mexico |
Region or state | Puebla |
Serving temperature | Room temperature |
Main ingredients | poblano chile, picadillo, walnuts, cream, pomegranate |
Chile en nogada is a famous and colorful Mexican dish. It features poblano chili peppers filled with a tasty mix called picadillo. This mix often has shredded meat, fruits, and spices. The dish is then covered with a creamy, white sauce made from walnuts, called nogada. Bright red pomegranate seeds and green parsley are sprinkled on top. It's usually served at room temperature.
Contents
What is Chile en Nogada?
Chile en nogada is a special meal from Mexico. It uses large, mild green chili peppers called poblano chiles. These chiles are carefully stuffed with a delicious filling.
The Special Filling: Picadillo
The filling for chile en nogada is called picadillo. It's a mix of different ingredients. Usually, it has shredded meat, like pork or beef. It also includes fruits such as apples, pears, and peaches, along with various spices. This combination gives the picadillo a unique sweet and savory taste.
The Creamy Sauce: Nogada
After the chiles are stuffed, they are covered with a rich, white cream sauce. This sauce is called nogada. It gets its name from nogal, which means "walnut tree" in Spanish. The nogada sauce is made from walnuts, milk, cream, and sometimes fresh cheese. Traditionally, a special type of walnut called "Castilian walnut" is used.
A Dish with History and Patriotism
Chile en nogada is more than just a meal; it's a symbol of Mexican pride. Its colors match the flag of Mexico: green from the chile, white from the nogada sauce, and red from the pomegranate seeds.
When is it Eaten?
This dish is traditionally made and eaten in Central Mexico during August and the first half of September. This is when fresh pomegranates become available in the markets. It's also when Mexico celebrates its independence, making the dish even more special.
The Story of Its Creation
The traditional chile en nogada comes from the city of Puebla, Mexico. The story says it was first prepared to honor Agustín de Iturbide. He was an important leader who helped Mexico gain its independence. When he visited Puebla after signing the Treaty of Córdoba in 1821, this dish was made for him.
Some historians believe that nuns from a convent in Puebla created the recipe. They wanted to make a dish that showed the colors of the new Mexican flag. This dish is a great source of pride for the people of Puebla.
See also
In Spanish: Chile en nogada para niños