Indulge your taste buds in a culinary journey to the enchanting Caribbean Netherlands with the rich and flavorful Keshi Yena. Originating from the vibrant Dutch Caribbean islands of Bonaire, Aruba, and Curaçao, this dish embodies the fusion of indigenous, African, European, and South American influences. Keshi Yena, translated as "stuffed cheese," is a beloved delicacy that epitomizes the region's cultural tapestry and culinary expertise.

Prepare to embark on a gastronomic adventure as we delve into the intricacies of crafting this delectable masterpiece. From its humble beginnings as a dish born out of resourcefulness and creativity to its modern-day status as a symbol of cultural identity, Keshi Yena encapsulates the essence of Caribbean cuisine. So, gather your ingredients, unleash your culinary prowess, and let the tantalizing aromas of Keshi Yena transport you to the sun-kissed shores of the Caribbean Netherlands.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Filling:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1/4 cup green olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup capers
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Cheese Shell:

• 1 whole round Edam or Gouda cheese, approximately 2 pounds
• Butter or cooking spray, for greasing

Instructions:

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

2- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and bell pepper, sauté until they become translucent.

3- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4- Stir in the shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, green olives, raisins, capers, tomato sauce, ground cumin, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and set aside.

5- To prepare the cheese shell, carefully cut off the top rind of the Edam or Gouda cheese, creating a lid. With a spoon, hollow out the cheese, leaving about 1/4-inch thickness all around, forming a cheese bowl.

6- Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Place the hollowed-out cheese shell in the baking dish.

7- Spoon the chicken filling mixture into the cheese shell, pressing down gently to pack it in.

8- Cover the filled cheese shell with the cheese lid.

9- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the filling is heated through.

10- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

11- Serve the Caribbean Netherlands Keshi Yena hot, garnished with additional olives and capers if desired. Enjoy this savory delight with rice and beans or a fresh salad for a complete meal!

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the listed ingredients per serving:

Cooked chicken, shredded (2 cups):

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 42g
• Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.

Onion, finely chopped (1 medium):

• Calories: 44
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits: Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, may help boost immunity and heart health.

Garlic, minced (2 cloves):

• Calories: 10
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Contains compounds with potential health benefits, including reducing blood pressure and improving cholesterol levels.

Bell pepper, finely chopped (1 medium):

• Calories: 25
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits: High in vitamin C and antioxidants, promotes eye health and boosts immunity.

Tomato, diced (1 medium):

• Calories: 22
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits: Rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reducing the risk of certain cancers and heart disease.

Green olives, sliced (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 37
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits: Provide healthy fats and antioxidants, may help reduce inflammation and improve heart health.

Raisins (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 108
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits: Good source of fiber and natural sugars, offer quick energy and may aid digestion.

Capers (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 8
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits: Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, may support heart health and improve digestion.

Tomato sauce (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 20
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits: Contains lycopene and other antioxidants, may offer protection against chronic diseases.

Ground cumin (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 8
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits: Rich in antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.

Paprika (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits: Contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon):

• Calories: 3
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Contains piperine, which may enhance nutrient absorption and digestion.

Olive oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Healthy source of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, may promote heart health and reduce inflammation.

Edam or Gouda cheese, approximately 2 pounds (depends on the serving size):

• Calories: 2000
• Protein: 140g
• Fat: 160g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Good source of protein and calcium, important for bone health and muscle function.

Nutritional values for butter or cooking spray for greasing are negligible since they are used in minimal amounts.