Keshi Yena Aruba Food

EASY KESHI YENA RECIPE

Steps:

• If using chicken, prepare it in advance by simmering in water (with salt, water, onion, parsley which is later discarded), allow it to cool, remove from the bones and then shred it. You can also bake the chicken pieces (sprinkled with salt, pepper and poultry seasoning) in a 350 oven for 45 minutes, allow it to cool, remove from the bones and then shred it.
• Brown the shredded chicken or ground beef ( or a combination of both) in a heavy frying pan.
• Add the remaining ingredients except for the Edam cheese and parsley
• Simmer for 15 minutes
• Slice 2/3 of the Edam cheese into thin slices (optional. Omit if you're not lining the casseroles)
• Grate the remaining 1/3 of the Edam cheese and add it to the meat and spice mixture.
• Line the individual serving dishes with the slices of Edam cheese making sure they overlap (optional)
• Fill the dishes with the Edam, meat and spice mixture and top with grated Edam
• Bake in the oven for 45 minutes, sprinkle with parsley and serve hot with sliced toasted French bread or chunks of cornbread

KESHI YENA (ARUBA)

Steps:

• Melt the butter over medium heat. Then add the onions and sauté until they turn a golden brown color.
• Stir in the rest of the ingredients, except for the cheese.
• Butter a baking pan and line it with slices of Gouda. Then pour the chicken mixture on top, and top with the rest of the cheese slices.
• Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes, then put it under your broiler for a few minutes, just long enough to start browning the cheese.

KESHI YENA (STUFFED EDAM CHEESE)

Steps:

• Cut a small horizontal circle to make a"lid" on the upper part of the cheese.
• Scoop out the inside, leaving a shell 1/4" to 1/2" inch thick.
• Saute the vegetables, seasonings, and beef.
• Simmer for aprox.
• 20 minutes until the tomatoes are reduced.
• Then remove from the stove and allow to cool slightly.
• Beat 4 eggs and blend into this mixture.
• Generously grease a casserole dish or the top of a double boiler with the margarine or oil.
• Place the cheese shell upright in the greased dish.
• Fill with the vegetable/beef mixture.
• Cover with the"lid" (cheese circle).
• Beat the remaining egg and spread beaten egg on top of the cheese as a sealer.
• Set the casserole in a pan of hot water and bake for 1 1/2 hours at 350.
• OR---.
• Place the double boiler over simmering water and cook, covered for the same amount of time, replenishing water as necessary.
• VARIATION: Slice cheese about 1/4" inch in thickness.
• Line a deep buttered dish or individual custard cups with cheese slices, overlapping edges.
• Place filling inside, cover with cheese and brush with beaten egg to seal.
• Place in a pan of hot water and bake as directed above.