Pastel de Jaiva is a traditional Chilean dish that showcases the country's love for seafood. The combination of succulent crab meat, seasoned with a blend of spices, and creamy mashed potatoes creates a satisfying meal that is both flavorful and filling. The dish is finished with a layer of Parmesan cheese, adding a deliciously crispy and cheesy topping .
Pastel de Jaiva has its roots in Chilean culinary traditions, where seafood plays a significant role due to the country's extensive coastline. The dish reflects the coastal influence in Chilean cooking, blending local ingredients into a dish that is both hearty and comforting. It is a popular choice for festive occasions and family meals, representing the warmth and hospitality of Chilean cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1-2 lbs crab meat (fresh or canned, thoroughly drained)
- 2 lbs potatoes (Russet or another starchy variety)
- 2 onions, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and mash, then set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté onions, garlic, and red bell pepper until soft and fragrant.
4. Add cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir to combine.
5. Mix in the crab meat, ensuring it is well-coated with the spices.
6. Layer a portion of mashed potatoes in the bottom of a large baking dish. Add a layer of the crab mixture. Repeat layers, finishing with mashed potatoes.
7. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top of the final layer.
8. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the dish is heated through.
9. Cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Fresh or canned crab meat can be used. If using canned, ensure it is well-drained.
- For added heat, incorporate diced jalapeño or red pepper flakes into the spice mixture.
Nutrition Value:
1. Crab meat (1-2 lbs)
- Calories: 100 calories per 3.5 oz (100 g)
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Fat: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg per 3.5 oz (100 g)
- Cholesterol: 60 mg per 3.5 oz (100 g)
- Vitamins: High in Vitamin B12
- Minerals: Good source of zinc, selenium, and copper
- Nutritional Benefit: Low in fat and high in protein, crab meat supports muscle building and repair. Rich in essential minerals and vitamins for overall health.
2. Potatoes (2 lbs)
- Calories: 130 calories per medium potato (5.3 oz/150 g)
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin B6
- Minerals: Rich in potassium and manganese
- Nutritional Benefit: Potatoes provide energy through carbohydrates and are high in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
3. Onions (2, diced)
- Calories: 45 calories per medium onion (3.5 oz/100 g)
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 4 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Contains Vitamin C and Vitamin B6
- Minerals: Provides potassium and manganese
- Nutritional Benefit: Onions are rich in antioxidants and sulfur compounds, which may have anti-inflammatory and heart-health benefits.
4. Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
- Calories: 5 calories per clove
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 0.2 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of Vitamin C and Vitamin B6
- Minerals: Provides manganese, calcium, and phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties and may help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
5. Red bell pepper (1, diced)
- Calories: 37 calories per medium pepper (4.2 oz/120 g)
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: High in Vitamin C and Vitamin A
- Minerals: Provides potassium and folate
- Nutritional Benefit: Red bell peppers are rich in antioxidants, especially Vitamin C, which supports the immune system and skin health.
6. Cumin (1 tsp)
- Calories: 8 calories per teaspoon
- Carbohydrates: 0.8 g
- Protein: 0.4 g
- Fat: 0.4 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of Vitamin E
- Minerals: Provides iron and manganese
- Nutritional Benefit: Cumin has antioxidant and digestive properties and can enhance the flavor of dishes with minimal calories.
7. Oregano (1 tsp)
- Calories: 3 calories per teaspoon
- Carbohydrates: 0.7 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Contains Vitamin K
- Minerals: Provides iron, manganese, and calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Oregano is rich in antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
8. Paprika (1 tsp)
- Calories: 6 calories per teaspoon
- Carbohydrates: 1.1 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
- Fat: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Contains Vitamin A
- Minerals: Provides iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Paprika adds flavor with minimal calories and is rich in antioxidants, especially Vitamin A, which supports vision and immune function.
9. Olive oil (1/4 cup)
- Calories: 480 calories per 1/4 cup
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 54 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Contains Vitamin E
- Minerals: Provides small amounts of iron and calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Olive oil is a source of healthy monounsaturated fats, which can support heart health and reduce inflammation.
10. Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Calories: Negligible
- Carbohydrates: Negligible
- Protein: Negligible
- Fat: Negligible
- Sodium: Varies with quantity
- Cholesterol: Negligible
- Vitamins and Minerals: Varies with quantity
- Nutritional Benefit: Salt adds flavor but should be used in moderation due to its sodium content. Pepper has antioxidant properties.
11. Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated)
- Calories: 110 calories per 1/4 cup
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
- Vitamins: Contains Vitamin A and Vitamin B12
- Minerals: Provides calcium and phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: Parmesan cheese adds protein and calcium, which are important for bone health and muscle function.
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