We asked Wichita from ECODMS about her favourite dish from Curaçao and Aruba, and this Keshi Yena dish it was. 

Ready to take your taste buds on a cheesy, meaty adventure to the Caribbean? Buckle up, because we're diving into the delightful, gooey goodness of Keshi Yena, a traditional dish from Curaçao and Aruba! This recipe is a flavour fiesta of Dutch cheese, spiced chicken, and vibrant veggies. Aprons on, folks—let's get cookin'!

Let’s get set the mood to cook this Keshi Yena and
Set your speaks to play Wichita's favourite song  -  Atardi Kuracao ta Bonita

Recipe Keshi Yena

Chicken Filling:

Limey Spa Day for Your Chicken:

• Give 200g of chicken breasts and 200g of chicken thighs a luxurious rubdown with the juice of several limes.
• Season those pampered poultry pieces with salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, and minced onion. Let them chill out for several hours.

Get Sizzlin’:

• Brown the chicken in 3 tablespoons of butter until it's looking golden and fabulous.
• Toss it into a kettle with: 1 quart of water, 1 teaspoon of salt, 6 peppercorns, 1 medium onion, 1 celery stalk (with leaves), 1 bay leaf (bruised for good luck)

Simmer Down Now:

• Bring the whole shebang to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and ready for its close-up.
• Strain and reserve the broth—veggies, your job here is done.
• Debone the chicken and set it aside for its big debut.

 Vegetable Mixture:
Veggie Party Time:

•  In 2 tablespoons of butter, sauté:
• 2 tomatoes (peeled and chopped, like they’re heading to a tomato prom)
• 1 onion (sliced)
• 1 green pepper (sliced)
• 1 tablespoon minced parsley (or a splash of Tabasco if you’re feeling spicy)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Mix and Mingle:

Stir in:

• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• ¼ cup pimento olives (sliced, because pimentos like to party)
• ½ tablespoon capers
• ¼ tablespoon piccalilli
• The deboned chicken (making its triumphant return)

Simmer ‘Til It Sizzles:

• Let everything mingle and reduce until the tomatoes are like, "We're done." (About 20 minutes.) Then, remove from heat and let it cool off.

Assembling Keshi Yena:
Say Cheese!

• Generously butter 4 soup cups like you’re on a buttering mission.
•  Line the sides and bottom of each cup with slices of Dutch Edam or Gouda cheese, because more cheese = more happiness.

Fill ‘Er Up:

• Stuff those cups with the cooled chicken and veggie mixture. Go on, don’t be shy.
• Cap it off with another slice of cheese. Yes, more cheese.

Steam Dream:

• Place the soup cups in a pot with enough water to cover the bottom.
• Steam for about 15 minutes. It’s a steamy cheese affair.

Serve It Up:

• Dish out your Keshi Yena with rice, a few slices of plantain, and steamed veggies of your choice. Ta-da!

Serve up this Caribbean delight with a grin, because you just nailed it!

Why not taste this delicious treat in Curaçao? Plan your next trip with ECODMS

Our DMCs can assist with accommodation, (gala) dinners, meeting rooms, transport, team building and other options you need for your event