A fusion dish between indigenous Mapuche traditions (use of corn) and colonial Spanish cuisine, pastel de choclo is one of the most representative and beloved dishes of Chilean gastronomy.
Latin American
Chocolate Cake
Traditional Chilean corn pie with meat pine, authentic step-by-step recipe.
- chili
- MAIN COURSES
- High protein
- medium
40 min
Tiempo de Preparación
6
Servings
Nutrición por ración
- Calories 460 kcal
- Protein 22 g
- Carbohydrates 48 g
- Fat 20 g
Story behind the dish
Preparation
Pastel de Choclo is a Chilean preparation with medium difficulty. Reserve about 90 minutes in total (40 for mise en place and preparation, 50 for cooking). Follow the 6 phases in order: each step indicates what to do, what to observe and, when applicable, the time or level of fire.
Before you start
- Have ready: 8 ears of corn, shelled.
- Have ready: 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Have ready: Fresh basil.
- Have ready: 500 g of minced meat or in small pieces (pine).
- Have ready: 2 onions.
- Salt, oil and spices measured and within reach.
- Clean utensils, board and clear work surface.
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Grind the shelled corn with the basil and a little milk until…
Grind the shelled corn with the basil and a little milk until you obtain a cream (corn pastry). Go slowly and confirm texture, aroma and color before moving to the next step. Watch the exact point indicated; An extra minute can alter the result. Go slowly and confirm texture, aroma and color before moving to the next step. Watch the exact point indicated; An extra minute can alter the result.
Go slowly and confirm texture, aroma and color before moving to the next step.
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Cook this cream over low heat with butter and salt
Cook this cream over low heat with butter and salt, stirring, until it thickens slightly. Taste before serving: the balance between salt, acidity and fat defines the final result. Taste before serving: the balance between salt, acidity and fat defines the final result.
Taste before serving: the balance between salt, acidity and fat defines the final result.
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for the pine
For the pine, sauté the finely chopped onion until translucent, add the meat, cumin and paprika, cook well. Stir frequently so it doesn't stick. The objective is to concentrate aromas, not to accelerate with excessive heat. Watch the exact point indicated; An extra minute can alter the result. Stir frequently so it doesn't stick. The objective is to concentrate aromas, not to accelerate with excessive heat.Watch the exact point indicated; An extra minute can alter the result.
Stir frequently so it doesn't stick. The objective is to concentrate aromas, not to accelerate with excessive heat.
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Distribute the meat pine in the bottom of individual casseroles.
Spread the meat pineapple on the bottom of individual ramekins, adding olives, raisins and pieces of boiled egg. Go slowly and confirm texture, aroma and color before moving to the next step. Go slowly and confirm texture, aroma and color before moving to the next step.
Go slowly and confirm texture, aroma and color before moving to the next step.
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Cover generously with the corn cream
Cover generously with the corn cream. Go slowly and confirm texture, aroma and color before moving to the next step. Go slowly and confirm texture, aroma and color before moving to the next step.
Go slowly and confirm texture, aroma and color before moving to the next step.
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Sprinkle sugar on top (for a sweet-salty gratin) and bake at…
Sprinkle sugar on top (for a sweet-salty gratin) and bake at 200°C for 25-30 minutes until the surface is golden. Look for a uniform golden color; The seal concentrates flavor and prevents it from releasing too much liquid later. Watch the exact point indicated; An extra minute can alter the result. Look for a uniform golden color; The seal concentrates flavor and prevents it from releasing too much liquid later.Watch the exact point indicated; An extra minute can alter the result.
Look for a uniform golden color; The seal concentrates flavor and prevents it from releasing too much liquid later.
Chef's tips
- The touch of sugar sprinkled before baking creates the characteristic golden crust of corn.
- Use fresh seasonal corn if possible, the result noticeably changes compared to frozen corn.
Variations
- Corn cake with chicken instead of beef
- Vegetarian version with sautéed vegetables
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