Elko, Nevada: The Pride of the Basque in the Great Basin

Elko is a small city in northeastern Nevada, known for its Basque heritage and its proximity to the Ruby Mountains. The city has a population of about 18,000 people, but it feels much smaller, with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Here are some of the top things to do in Elko:

• Visit the Basque Museum and Cultural Center. This museum tells the story of the Basque people, who have a long history in Elko.
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• Explore the Ruby Mountains. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and skiing in the Ruby Mountains.
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• Go gambling at one of Elko's many casinos. Elko is known for its casinos, and there are plenty to choose from.
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• Take a walk or bike ride on the Elko Rail Trail. This paved trail follows an old railroad grade and is a great way to see the city.
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• Enjoy a Basque meal. Elko has a number of Basque restaurants, where you can enjoy traditional dishes like txistorra (spicy sausage), lamb stew, and flan.
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Here are some other places to visit in the area:

• Jackpot, Nevada. This small town is just across the border from Idaho and is home to a number of casinos.
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• Wells, Nevada. This town is known for its hot springs and Angel Lake.
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• The Owyhee Mountains. These mountains are located about an hour from Elko and offer stunning scenery.
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Here is a recipe for an easy Basque dish that you can try at home:
Basque Chicken and Rice

Ingredients:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (10.75 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup cooked rice
Instructions:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
Stir in the diced tomatoes and green chilies, black beans, corn, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Stir in the cooked rice and serve.
This dish is hearty and satisfying, and it's a great way to enjoy Basque flavors at home. Enjoy!