itsmepat
Novice Foodie
I recently made Chilean Pastel de Choclo, and it was an absolute hit! This traditional corn pie features a delicious combination of flavors, with a savory filling made of ground meat, onions, olives, hard-boiled eggs, and a creamy corn topping. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. Here’s how you can recreate this delightful Chilean classic at home:
Ingredients:
- For the Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- For the Corn Topping:
- 4 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to enhance sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (for color)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Add the ground beef, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Stir in the sliced olives, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and parsley (if using). Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Make the Corn Topping:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the corn kernels, milk, butter, salt, and sugar (if using). Blend until you have a smooth mixture. You can leave a few chunks for texture if you prefer.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, cook the corn mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly.
3. Assemble the Pastel de Choclo:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a greased baking dish, spread the meat filling evenly on the bottom. Pour the corn mixture over the top, smoothing it out with a spatula. Sprinkle a little paprika on top for color if desired.
4. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and set. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
5. Serve:
- Cut into squares or slices and serve warm. Enjoy it with a fresh salad or some avocado on the side for a complete meal!
Conclusion
Chilean Pastel de Choclo is a comforting and hearty dish that showcases the flavors of corn and savory meat beautifully. It’s a delicious way to celebrate Chilean cuisine and is sure to please anyone who tries it. Gather your family and friends, and enjoy this tasty treat together!
That combo of sweet corn and savory filling is such a winner! Definitely adding this to my recipe list—can’t wait to try it! 
