CHILEAN PASTEL DE CHOCLO
Fiona Smith
Serves
4Preparation
20 minsCook
1 hrIngredients
2 eggs, at room temperature | |
3 tablespoons olive oil | |
350g kūmara, grated | |
1œ teaspoons salt | |
1 onion, chopped | |
3 cloves garlic, crushed | |
2 teaspoons cumin seeds, ground | |
2 teaspoons smoked paprika, plus extra to sprinkle | |
2 teaspoons dried oregano | |
2 teaspoons flour | |
500g beef mince | |
œ cup beef stock | |
œ cup pitted black olives | |
3 cups frozen corn kernels, defrosted | |
150g crÚme fraîche | |
150g feta or cheddar, grated | |
3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped |
A few years ago I had a birthday in Santiago, Chile and I chose to go to a little local restaurant that specialised in pastel de choclo, a South American speciality a bit like a cottage pie. Paired with a malbec, it made the perfect comfort dinner. Most often made with beef and chicken, I have just used the beef and included kūmara for another layer. I have also added cheese to the corn topping because it tastes so good.
Instructions
1. | Heat the oven to 180°C. |
2. | Put the eggs in a small saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to the boil, simmer for 3 minutes then drain. Peel and set aside. |
3. | Heat half the oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat, add the kūmara, sprinkle with œ teaspoon of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. |
4. | Transfer to a plate and set aside. |
5. | Add the rest of the oil and the onion to the pan, sprinkle with œ teaspoon of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. |
6. | Add the garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano and flour and cook for 1 minute. |
7. | Raise the heat to medium-high, add the mince and cook, stirring for 5 minutes until browned then add the stock and bring to the boil, still stirring. |
8. | Spoon into a deep, ovenproof dish. |
9. | Dot the olives over the top then slice the eggs and arrange these on top. |
10. | Cover with the kūmara in an even layer. |
11. | Put the corn in a food processor with the crÚme fraîche and the last œ teaspoon of salt and blend to a rough purée. |
12. | Blend in the cheese and basil. |
13. | Spoon the corn over to cover the top of the pie. |
14. | Sprinkle with paprika. |
15. | Bake for 40 minutes until hot and bubbling. |
Recipes and food styling Fiona Smith / Photography Aaron McLean / Styling Fiona Lascelles
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