Pastel de Choclo, or Chilean Corn Pie, is a cherished dish in Chilean cuisine, known for its comforting and hearty nature. This savory pie features a rich filling of ground beef, onions, raisins, olives, and hard-boiled eggs, all topped with a smooth layer of creamy corn mixture. Baked until golden brown, it's a delicious representation of Chilean culinary traditions, especially enjoyed during the colder months.
Pastel de Choclo's roots trace back to pre-Columbian times when corn was a staple food among the indigenous peoples of the Andes. The name "Pastel de Choclo" translates to "corn pie" in Spanish, highlighting the dish's primary ingredient. This pie exemplifies the fusion of indigenous ingredients and Spanish influences that characterize much of Chilean cuisine.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup sliced olives
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 ears of corn, kernels removed
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Set to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Beef Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add onion and garlic, cooking until translucent. Stir in raisins, olives, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until well combined.
3. Assemble the Pie: Transfer the beef mixture to a 9-inch (23 cm) baking dish. Arrange sliced hard-boiled eggs on top.
4. Make the Corn Topping: Blend corn kernels, milk, sugar, and butter until smooth. Pour over the beef mixture, spreading evenly.
5. Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
6. Cool and Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestion:
Pastel de Choclo is traditionally served with ensalada chilena, a refreshing salad of tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.
Nutrition Value:
1. 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- Calories: 1000
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 77g
- Fat: 77g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Cholesterol: 245mg
- Vitamins: High in Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6
- Minerals: Rich in Iron, Zinc
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides high-quality protein and essential vitamins and minerals for muscle health and energy. However, it is also high in saturated fat and cholesterol.
2. 1 onion, chopped
- Calories: 45
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 4mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin B6
- Minerals: Contains Manganese, Potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, supports immune function, and aids in digestion.
3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Calories: 10
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Contains Vitamin C
- Minerals: Contains Manganese, Calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Offers antimicrobial properties, supports heart health, and enhances immune function.
4. 1/2 cup raisins
- Calories: 207
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Provides Vitamin B6, Vitamin C
- Minerals: High in Iron, Potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides natural sugars for energy, fiber for digestion, and important minerals for blood health.
5. 1/2 cup sliced olives
- Calories: 80
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 8g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Contains Vitamin E
- Minerals: Provides Calcium, Iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Offers healthy fats and antioxidants, supports cardiovascular health, and provides essential minerals.
6. 3 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- Calories: 240
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 21g
- Fat: 15g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Cholesterol: 555mg
- Vitamins: High in Vitamin B12, Vitamin D
- Minerals: Contains Selenium, Iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and minerals for overall health, though high in cholesterol.
7. 1 tbsp cumin
- Calories: 8
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0.4g
- Fat: 0.4g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Provides Vitamin A, Vitamin C
- Minerals: Contains Iron, Calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Offers antioxidants, supports digestion, and provides essential minerals.
8. 1 tbsp paprika
- Calories: 6
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Fat: 0.3g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Provides Vitamin A, Vitamin E
- Minerals: Contains Iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor with antioxidants and supports eye health.
9. Salt and pepper, to taste
- Salt:
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 2300mg (per teaspoon)
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins and Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Enhances flavor but high intake can affect blood pressure.
- Pepper:
- Calories: 6
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 0.2g
- Fat: 0.1g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Provides Vitamin K, Vitamin C
- Minerals: Contains Iron, Calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor with antioxidants and aids digestion.
10. 6 ears of corn, kernels removed
- Calories: 600
- Carbohydrates: 132g
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 6g
- Sodium: 12mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin B6, Vitamin C
- Minerals: Provides Magnesium, Potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals for energy and digestive health.
11. 1 cup milk
- Calories: 150
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 8g
- Sodium: 98mg
- Cholesterol: 31mg
- Vitamins: High in Vitamin D, Vitamin B12
- Minerals: Provides Calcium, Potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Offers essential nutrients for bone health and muscle function.
12. 1 tbsp sugar
- Calories: 49
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins and Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds sweetness but should be consumed in moderation due to its impact on blood sugar levels.
13. 1 tbsp butter
- Calories: 102
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0.1g
- Fat: 12g
- Sodium: 82mg
- Cholesterol: 31mg
- Vitamins: Provides Vitamin A
- Minerals: Contains Calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor and richness but high in saturated fat and cholesterol.
14. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Calories: 216
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Fat: 14g
- Sodium: 504mg
- Cholesterol: 59mg
- Vitamins: Provides Vitamin A, Vitamin B12
- Minerals: High in Calcium, Phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: Offers protein and calcium for bone health, though it is high in sodium and fat.
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