Quick and Authentic Chilean Pastel de Choclo
Experience the traditional flavors of Chile with this quick and authentic recipe for Pastel de Choclo, a cherished dish renowned for its comforting layers of flavorful meat and sweet corn topping. By streamlining the cooking process without sacrificing taste, you can enjoy this delicious meal typically made for special occasions with less effort and more time to share with family and friends. Customarily prepared with raisins, they are omitted here to suit my family's preference, but feel free to add them for a truly authentic touch.
8
Servings
562.5
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 lbs (diced)
lean ground beef
1.5 lbs (none)
vidalia onion
1 cup (finely chopped)
creamed corn
2 cans (12 ounces each) (none)
crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon (none)
cumin
1.5 tablespoons (none)
adobo seasoning
1.5 tablespoons (none)
salt & pepper
2 tablespoons (to taste)
paprika
1 tablespoon (none)
hard-boiled eggs
4 (sliced)
black olives
10-12 large (sliced)
oregano
1 teaspoon (none)
cooking spray
as needed (none)
olive oil
1-2 teaspoons (for sautéing)
sugar
1-2 cups (for topping and serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Heat 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3
Add diced chicken breasts to the skillet, cooking until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
4
In the same skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once cooked, drain excess fat and transfer the beef to a large bowl.
5
Add another swirl of olive oil to the skillet if needed, then sauté the finely chopped vidalia onion until translucent.
6
Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes, cumin, adobo seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and oregano, cooking until the spices are fragrant.
7
Combine the sautéed onion and spice mixture with the ground beef in the bowl, mixing well.
8
Lightly spray a shallow 9-inch ovenproof casserole dish with cooking spray.
9
Pack the beef mixture tightly into the bottom of the dish.
10
Evenly distribute the browned chicken, sliced hard-boiled eggs, and sliced black olives over the top of the beef layer.
11
In a separate bowl, mix the creamed corn with 4 tablespoons of sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
12
Pour the creamed corn mixture over the layered meat and chicken, ensuring it is evenly spread.
13
Sprinkle 1-2 cups of sugar evenly over the top of the corn layer to create a slightly sweet crust.
14
Bake for 45 to 60 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
15
Serve hot, with additional sugar on the side for those who prefer extra sweetness.
Nutrition Information
56.25g
Carbs
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pastel de Choclo?
Pastel de Choclo is a traditional Chilean dish known for its comforting layers of savory meat and a sweet corn topping.
Is this recipe for Pastel de Choclo authentic?
Yes, this is an authentic Chilean recipe that has been streamlined for a quicker cooking process without sacrificing traditional flavors.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 8 servings.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What meats are used in this Pastel de Choclo?
The recipe uses a combination of diced chicken breasts and lean ground beef.
Why are raisins omitted from this version?
Raisins are traditionally included, but they were omitted in this specific recipe to suit the author's family preference.
Can I still add raisins if I want them?
Yes, feel free to add raisins for a more traditional and authentic touch.
What kind of onion is recommended?
A vidalia onion is recommended for its sweet flavor profile.
How much creamed corn is needed for the topping?
You will need 2 cans of creamed corn, each weighing 12 ounces.
What spices are used to season the meat?
The meat is seasoned with crushed red pepper flakes, cumin, adobo seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and oregano.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 562.5 calories per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 56.25 grams of carbohydrates.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A shallow 9-inch ovenproof casserole dish is recommended.
How do I prepare the corn layer?
Mix the creamed corn with 4 tablespoons of sugar and season with salt and pepper to taste.
How do I create the sweet crust on top?
Sprinkle 1-2 cups of sugar evenly over the corn layer before baking to create a golden sweet crust.
How long does the Pastel de Choclo need to bake?
Bake the dish for 45 to 60 minutes.
How do I know when the dish is finished baking?
It is done when the top corn layer is bubbly and has turned a golden brown color.
What ingredients are layered over the beef?
Layer the browned chicken, sliced hard-boiled eggs, and sliced black olives over the beef mixture.
How many hard-boiled eggs are required?
The recipe calls for 4 sliced hard-boiled eggs.
What type of olives should be used?
Use 10 to 12 large sliced black olives.
What is the purpose of the sugar on the side?
Additional sugar can be served on the side for those who prefer their Pastel de Choclo extra sweet.
Should the beef be drained after cooking?
Yes, once the ground beef is cooked, you should drain any excess fat before mixing it with the onions.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The chicken breasts should be diced and browned in a skillet until fully cooked through.
Is oil used in the preparation?
Yes, 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil are used for sautéing the chicken and the onions.
How much cumin is in this recipe?
The recipe requires 1.5 tablespoons of cumin.
What is the first step in assembling the layers?
The first assembly step is to pack the beef and onion mixture tightly into the bottom of the casserole dish.
How many ingredients total are in this recipe?
There are 15 total ingredients in this Pastel de Choclo recipe.
Can I use frozen corn instead of creamed corn?
This specific recipe uses creamed corn to achieve the desired texture, though substitutions would require adjusting the liquid and sugar.
What kind of chicken is best for this dish?
Boneless skinless chicken breasts are best for dicing and quick cooking.
Is this a good dish for families?
Yes, it is a cherished family recipe designed for special occasions or comforting family meals.