Authentic Chilean Pastel De Choclo – With Shortcuts

🇨🇱🌽🍲 Sure, I’d love to share information about the delicious Chilean dish called “Pastel de Choclo” with shortcuts for a quicker preparation.

What is Pastel de Choclo?
Pastel de Choclo is a traditional Chilean dish that can be described as a Chilean corn pie. It combines a sweet and savory flavor profile, featuring a thick corn crust covering a filling made from a mixture of ground beef, chicken, olives, raisins, and hard-boiled eggs. It’s a delightful blend of indigenous and Spanish culinary influences.

History:
The dish’s origins can be traced back to pre-Columbian times when corn was a staple food in the indigenous Mapuche culture. After the arrival of the Spanish in Chile, the dish evolved and incorporated new ingredients like meat and spices. Today, it’s a cherished part of Chilean cuisine, often served at family gatherings and special occasions.

Components:

1. Corn: The star of the dish, fresh corn is used to make a thick, sweet corn crust.
2. Filling: Typically, the filling consists of ground beef and/or chicken, onions, garlic, raisins, black olives, and hard-boiled eggs.
3. Seasonings: Common seasonings include paprika, cumin, and sugar.
4. Baking Dish: You’ll need an ovenproof baking dish to assemble and bake the Pastel de Choclo.

Steps to Prepare (with shortcuts):

Preparation Time: Approximately 30-45 minutes
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes
Total Time: Around 1 hour and 15 minutes

Shortcut Steps:

1. Prepare the Filling:

   • Heat some oil in a pan and sauté diced onions and minced garlic until they’re soft.
   • Add ground beef or chicken and brown it.
   • Season with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
   • Stir in chopped olives, raisins, and hard-boiled egg slices.
   • Let it simmer for a few minutes.

2. Prepare the Corn Mixture:

   • In a blender, combine fresh or frozen corn, sugar, and a little milk. Blend until you get a thick, creamy mixture.

3. Assemble and Bake:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • In an ovenproof dish, spread a layer of the corn mixture at the bottom.
   • Add the meat filling on top of the corn layer.
   • Cover the filling with the remaining corn mixture.
   • Optionally, you can sprinkle some sugar on top to create a caramelized crust.

4. Baking:

   • Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is heated through.

5. Serve:

   • Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Traditionally, Pastel de Choclo is served with pebre, a Chilean condiment.

And that’s it! You now have a delicious Pastel de Choclo with a shorter preparation time.

Enjoy your homemade Chilean delicacy! 🌽🇨🇱🍲

Certainly, let’s delve into the nutrition facts and health information for Pastel de Choclo. Please note that the following information is a general overview, and specific values can vary based on the recipe and portion sizes:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximately 1 slice):

• Calories: About 350-400 calories
• Total Fat: Approximately 15-20 grams
• Saturated Fat: Around 4-7 grams
• Cholesterol: Approximately 50-80 milligrams
• Sodium: Roughly 500-700 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: About 35-45 grams
• Dietary Fiber: Approximately 3-5 grams
• Sugars: Around 10-15 grams
• Protein: About 15-20 grams

Health Information:

1. Calories: Pastel de Choclo is moderately high in calories due to its rich filling and corn crust. It’s a hearty dish often enjoyed on special occasions or as a comfort food.

2. Fat: The dish contains a moderate amount of fat, primarily from the meat used in the filling. The fat content can be reduced by using lean cuts of meat and draining excess grease.

3. Saturated Fat: There’s a moderate amount of saturated fat, which should be consumed in moderation as it can contribute to heart health issues.

4. Cholesterol: The cholesterol content is significant, mainly due to the eggs and meat. It’s essential to be mindful of your cholesterol intake, especially if you have high cholesterol levels.

5. Sodium: The sodium content can be relatively high, primarily from seasonings and olives. Excessive sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure, so it’s essential to monitor your salt consumption.

6. Carbohydrates: Pastel de Choclo is a carbohydrate-rich dish, primarily from the corn crust and added sugar. Carbohydrates provide energy but should be balanced with other nutrients.

7. Dietary Fiber: The dietary fiber content is relatively low. Consider adding more vegetables or fiber-rich sides to your meal to increase your fiber intake.

8. Sugars: The dish contains added sugar, primarily in the corn crust. Be mindful of your sugar intake, as excessive sugar consumption can contribute to various health issues.

9. Protein: Pastel de Choclo provides a good amount of protein, primarily from the meat and eggs. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair.

Health Tips:

• Enjoy Pastel de Choclo in moderation, as it’s a rich and hearty dish.
• Opt for lean meat to reduce the fat content.
• Balance your meal with a side of vegetables or a salad for added nutrients and fiber.
• Be mindful of your sodium and sugar intake from other sources throughout the day.

Remember that the specific nutrition facts can vary depending on the recipe and portion size, so it’s essential to adjust your intake based on your dietary needs and goals.