A Guest’s Guide to Making Keshi Yena at Home

How to Make Keshi Yena

Keshi yena is one of Aruba’s most loved dishes. It is warm, cheesy, and full of flavor. It also reflects Aruba’s history and the creative way families used what they had. Making it at home lets you taste something truly authentic while moving at a slow, thoughtful pace.

What Keshi Yena Is

Keshi yena began when families filled cheese shells with stewed chicken, vegetables, and spices. Today it remains a symbol of community, comfort, and shared meals.

Keshi Yena ingredients

• Edam or Gouda slices, enough to line a baking dish

• 2 to 3 cups cooked shredded chicken

• 1 onion, diced

• 1 green pepper, diced

• 1 tomato, chopped

• 2 tablespoons raisins

• 2 tablespoons chopped olives

• 1 tablespoon capers

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• A splash of milk

• A small spoon of butter

• Salt and black pepper

• A little nutmeg

• Hot sauce if you like heat

Steps

1. Warm a pan and melt the butter. Add onions and peppers. Cook until soft.

2. Add tomato, chicken, tomato paste, raisins, olives, capers, milk, salt, and pepper. Simmer until the flavors blend.

3. Line a baking dish with cheese slices. Make sure the bottom and sides are fully covered.

4. Add the chicken mixture. Cover the top with more cheese.

5. Bake at 350 F until the cheese melts and turns lightly golden.

6. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Why This Dish Matters

Keshi yena connects you with Aruba’s culture and the care that goes into local cooking. It encourages a slow, mindful moment in the kitchen. When you serve it, you share a piece of the island’s story in a simple and authentic way.