Welcome to a culinary journey that transcends time and celebrates the rich tapestry of Aruba's cultural heritage. Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, Aruba not only boasts stunning beaches and vibrant landscapes but also a unique and flavorful culinary tradition. One dish that stands out as a testament to the island's cultural fusion is the iconic Aruban Keshi Yená.

In this exploration, we will delve into the roots of Aruban cuisine, uncovering the history and significance of Keshi Yená. Beyond its delicious taste, Keshi Yená carries with it the stories of the island's past, reflecting the influences of indigenous Arawak people, Spanish and Dutch colonizers, and African heritage. Join us as we unravel the layers of flavor and history within this beloved Aruban dish, offering a taste of the island's soul and a glimpse into the traditions that have shaped its culinary identity.

Aruban Keshi Yená is a unique and flavorful dish that typically features a stuffed cheese shell filled with a savory mixture of meats and spices. Here's a basic recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

For the Cheese Shell:

• 1 large round Edam or Gouda cheese (about 2 pounds)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken
• 1 cup cooked and shredded beef
• 1 cup cooked and shredded pork
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup sliced green olives
• 1/4 cup capers
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cheese Shell:

1- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2- Cut the top off the cheese to create a lid. Hollow out the cheese, leaving about a 1/2-inch thick shell. Reserve the removed cheese for later use.

3- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.

4- Gradually add the reserved cheese, stirring constantly until melted and well combined.

5- Carefully pour the cheese mixture back into the hollowed cheese shell, creating a new lid.

6- Place the cheese with its lid on a baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

2. Prepare the Filling:

1- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until softened.

2- Add bell pepper and tomato, cooking until the vegetables are tender.

3- Mix in the shredded chicken, beef, and pork, stirring well to combine.

4- Add raisins, olives, capers, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the flavors meld together.

3. Assemble the Keshi Yená:

1- Once the cheese shell is done baking, carefully remove it from the oven.

2- Fill the hollowed cheese with the prepared meat mixture.

3- Place the cheese lid back on top, and return the assembled Keshi Yená to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

4. Serve:

1- Slice the Keshi Yená into wedges and serve while still warm. It pairs wonderfully with rice, plantains, or a fresh salad.

Enjoy your culinary journey with this traditional Aruban dish!

Nutritional Values:

Providing precise nutritional values can be challenging without specific brands and exact quantities, but I can offer approximate values for some of the main ingredients in the recipe. Keep in mind that these are general estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and amounts you use.

Nutritional Values (Approximate per serving):

Cheese Shell:

Edam or Gouda Cheese (2 pounds):

• Calories: 2600
• Protein: 160g
• Fat: 216g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 8g

benefits:

• Rich in protein and calcium for bone health.
• Good source of phosphorus and vitamin B12.
• Provides essential fats for energy.

Butter (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 102
• Protein: 0.1g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 0.1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0.1g

benefits:

• Contains healthy saturated fats.
• Source of fat-soluble vitamins like A, E, and K.

All-Purpose Flour (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 28
• Protein: 0.6g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 5.9g
• Fiber: 0.2g
• Sugar: 0.1g

benefits:

• Supplies carbohydrates for energy.
• Contains small amounts of protein and essential nutrients.

Filling:

Vegetable Oil (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g

benefits:

• Provides heart-healthy unsaturated fats.
• Source of vitamin E, an antioxidant.

Chicken, Beef, Pork (1 cup each, cooked and shredded):

• Calories: 335-400 (depending on the meat)
• Protein: 20-25g
• Fat: 15-25g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g

benefits:

• Excellent source of protein for muscle health.
• Provides essential vitamins and minerals, including iron and zinc.

Raisins (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 217
• Protein: 1.3g
• Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 57.5g
• Fiber: 3.7g
• Sugar: 39.5g

benefits:

• Natural sweetener with fiber.
• Contains antioxidants and micronutrients.

Sliced Green Olives (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 73
• Protein: 0.6g
• Fat: 7.2g
• Carbohydrates: 1.8g
• Fiber: 1.4g
• Sugar: 0.4g

benefits:

• Healthy monounsaturated fats.
• Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Capers (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 4
• Protein: 0.2g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 1.1g
• Fiber: 0.4g
• Sugar: 0.1g

benefits:

• Low in calories, high in antioxidants.
• Contains vitamins A and K.

Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 8
• Protein: 0.4g
• Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 1.4g
• Fiber: 0.2g
• Sugar: 0.1g

benefits:

• Adds flavor without calories.
• May have anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.

Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 3
• Protein: 0.1g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 0.6g
• Fiber: 0.4g
• Sugar: 0g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants and antimicrobial properties.
• Adds flavor without sodium.

Note: The values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods. Make sure to check nutrition labels for accurate information, especially if you have dietary restrictions or specific health considerations.