Pastel De Choclo
Pastel de Choclo is a traditional Chilean savory corn pie featuring a creamy corn topping layered with seasoned ground beef, chicken, olives, and eggs. Its sweet and savory flavors make it a comforting dish ideal for family dinners or special gatherings, offering a delightful taste of Latin American cuisine.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the cream-style corn and cook it at low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the milk slowly to the cooked corn mixture, ensuring it becomes creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a separate pan, heat the oil and sauté finely chopped onions until translucent.
- Add paprika, oregano, and cumin to the onions and cook for another minute.
- Add lean ground beef to the onion mixture and cook until browned.
- Dissolve the beef bouillon cubes in a small amount of hot water and add to the meat.
- Optional: Mix in cooked chicken pieces and raisins.
- Layer the cooked meat mixture in a baking dish.
- Top with sliced hard-boiled eggs and black olives.
- Spread the corn mixture over the filling to cover completely.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes until golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of cream to the corn mixture. You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter dish. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. This dish pairs beautifully with Southern Corn Soup for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pastel De Choclo warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness. It pairs well with a simple green salad or Twisted River Ranch Cabbage Salad to balance the richness of the dish. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Chicken And Leeks for a delightful combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will help maintain the dish's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pastel De Choclo contains roughly 3560 calories, with 26g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 356g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (157% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (146% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (78% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1723mg per serving (75% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Pastel De Choclo ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time by assembling it up to the baking step. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even baking.
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Yes, frozen corn can be used as a convenient alternative to cream-style corn. Simply thaw and blend it until smooth to achieve a similar consistency. You may need to adjust the milk amount to achieve the desired creaminess.
What can I substitute for the beef bouillon cubes?
If you prefer a healthier option, you can use low-sodium vegetable broth or homemade stock instead of beef bouillon. This will still provide a rich flavor without the added sodium. Be sure to adjust the salt in the recipe accordingly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).