Certainly! Hereโs a detailed recipe for Pastel de Choclo en Masa, reimagined for the Love With Recipes site, incorporating comprehensive sections on ingredients, nutritional information, and instructions, as well as a more narrative style to engage readers. This recipe captures the essence of this delicious Chilean corn pie while ensuring clarity for both novice and experienced cooks.
Pastel de Choclo en Masa (Chilean Corn Pie)
Description:
Pastel de Choclo, a delightful and comforting Chilean dish, combines a rich filling of ground meat, onions, olives, and hard-boiled eggs, all enveloped by a luscious sweet corn topping. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or any occasion that calls for a hearty and satisfying meal. The preparation of the crust and filling offers a wonderful culinary experience that culminates in a beautifully baked pie.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (no baking powder) | 1 ยฝ cups (180 grams) |
| Salt | ยฝ teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces | 110 grams |
| Cold water | 40 ml |
| Plastic wrap | As needed |
| Frozen sweet corn | 900 grams |
| Liquid milk | ยฝ cup |
| Fresh basil leaves | 6 leaves |
| Salt (to taste) | To taste |
| Ground beef | 400 grams |
| Onion | 1 medium |
| Garlic cloves | 1 or 2 |
| Ground cumin | ยผ teaspoon |
| Oil (for frying) | 2 tablespoons |
| Raisins | 3 tablespoons |
| Olives (pitted) | 8 olives |
| Hard-boiled eggs | 2 eggs |
| Seasonings for the filling (salt, pepper, oregano, paprika) | To taste |
| Optional: Flour (for thickening) | ยฝ teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugars | 3 g |
| Total Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
- Begin by placing the all-purpose flour and salt into a food processor. If you do not have a food processor, you can mix these ingredients by hand in a large bowl.
- Add the cold, unsalted butter to the flour mixture, pulsing gradually until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If you’re mixing by hand, use your fingers to incorporate the butter thoroughly into the flour.
- Pour in the cold water, and blend or mix until the dough begins to come together. Form the mixture into a ball.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. This chilling step is crucial for achieving a flaky crust.
2. Preheat the Oven:
- After an hour, preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC). This temperature will ensure that your crust bakes to a golden perfection.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
- Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Using the plastic wrap, roll out the dough on a clean surface or directly in a 10-inch pie pan, leaving a slight overhang for the crust. Ensure an even thickness for consistent baking.
- Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 12 minutes, or until just lightly golden. This pre-baking will help the crust maintain its integrity once filled.
4. Prepare the Corn Filling:
- In a blender or food processor, puree the frozen sweet corn until smooth. Transfer the corn to a medium-sized pot.
- Add the basil leaves and a generous pinch of salt. Over medium heat, cook the corn mixture while stirring with a wooden spoon. Gradually incorporate the remaining milk, allowing the mixture to thicken and bubble. Ideally, it should become thick enough to see the bottom of the pot.
5. Season the Corn Filling:
- Taste the corn mixture and adjust the salt as needed. Some may prefer to add a hint of sugar for balance, depending on personal taste preferences. Once satisfied, set the corn mixture aside.
6. Prepare the Meat Filling:
- Finely chop the onion and garlic cloves. In a skillet over medium heat, heat the oil and sautรฉ the onion and garlic until the onion becomes translucent and golden.
- Stir in the ground beef, cumin, and your choice of seasonings (salt, pepper, oregano, paprika). Cook this mixture for about 15 minutes, ensuring the meat is browned and fully cooked. If the filling appears dry, add a splash of water or broth.
- Mix in the raisins, allowing them to plump up and add a touch of sweetness. If the mixture is too watery, thicken with a little flour, if desired. Let the meat filling cool before assembling the pie.
7. Assemble the Pastel de Choclo:
- Once the crust has been pre-baked, carefully spread the ground beef mixture evenly across the base.
- Layer slices of hard-boiled eggs and olives over the meat mixture for added flavor and texture.
- Gently spread the sweet corn mixture over the top, ensuring an even layer covers the filling completely.
8. Bake the Pie:
- Return the assembled pie to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy. For an optional touch of sweetness, sprinkle granulated sugar over the top before baking.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked, remove the pastel de choclo from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. This resting period helps the filling set, making for easier slicing.
- Cut into wedges and serve warm. Enjoy this delightful dish with a fresh salad or simply on its own to appreciate the robust flavors.
Tips for Perfection
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with sautรฉed mushrooms or lentils and adjust seasonings accordingly.
- Feel free to customize your filling by adding diced peppers or other vegetables to enhance the flavor and nutrition.
- This dish is perfect for making ahead of time; simply reheat before serving for a quick meal.
Enjoy your Pastel de Choclo en Masa with loved ones, sharing not just a meal, but a heartfelt piece of Chilean culinary tradition that resonates with comfort and joy.
This recipe has been designed with love and attention to detail, ensuring that anyone who tries it can replicate the flavors and textures of this beloved dish in their own kitchen.
