Lamb Olive Pastel De Choclo

Lamb & Olive Pastel de Choclo: Your New Comfort Food Obsession

Ever get that feeling, you know, where you just need something properly comforting? Something that hugs you from the inside out? Honestly, this lamb mince and olive pastel recipe is exactly that! It’s like a Shepherd’s Pie went on a gap year to South America and came back with a tan and a taste for olives!

What is this Pastel de Choclo Madness?

This dreamy savory lamb and corn casserole is a South American classic, especially popular in Chile. It's basically a South American shepherd's pie .

It’s proper simple to make, although it does take a little bit of time to prep both the lamb mince filling and the sweetcorn topping.

This recipe should feed about 6-8 hungry souls.

Why You'll Fall Head Over-Heels for This Dish

First off, it's just blinking delicious! The lamb mince and olive recipe gives you a crazy good savory taste. Plus, it is packed with protein, and sneaks in a good serving of veggies.

It's perfect for a Sunday roast alternative or when you just need a comfort food lamb mince kind of night.

Trust me, this dish is special. It's a real crowd pleaser!

Lamb Mince Pastel Recipe Benefits

This baked lamb mince dish is not only incredibly satisfying but also offers a good dose of protein and fiber.

Perfect for a chilly evening, this lamb mince corn pie is guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out.

Plus, it's a great way to use up leftover lamb! So, ditch the boring Tuesday meals and spice up your dinner with this absolute corker of a dish.

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this lamb mince and olive pastel ! Trust me, it's easier than it sounds.

Think of it like a South American Shepherd's Pie , but with a sweet corn twist.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients for Our Lamb Mince Pastel Recipe

• Olive oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml) – Get a decent one, it makes a difference, you know?
• Onion: 1 large (around 200g ), finely chopped. Honestly, I sometimes use frozen chopped onions if I'm feeling lazy!
• Garlic: 2 cloves (about 6g ), minced. Jarred minced garlic works in a pinch, but fresh is always better.
• Lamb mince: 1 lb (450g) . Look for mince that's not too fatty.
• Cumin: 1 tsp . It adds warmth.
• Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp . For that smoky depth.
• Chili flakes: 1/4 tsp (optional). I like a little kick!
• Dry red wine: 1/2 cup (120 ml) . Anything drinkable is fine!
• Diced tomatoes: 1 (14 oz/400g) can , undrained.
• Beef broth: 1/2 cup (120 ml) . Stock cubes work too.
• Green olives: 1/2 cup (75g) , sliced. Stuffed olives work great.
• Raisins: 1/4 cup (40g) (optional). I love 'em, some don't.
• Hard boiled eggs: 2 , quartered (optional).
• Salt and pepper: To taste.
• Cilantro or parsley: 2 tablespoons , chopped, for garnish.

For the pastel de choclo lamb topping:

• Frozen corn kernels: 4 cups (approx. 800g) , thawed. Fresh is amazing if you can get it!
• Milk: 1/2 cup (120ml) .
• Butter: 2 tbsp (30g) , unsalted.
• Sugar: 1/4 cup (50g) . It balances the savory.
• Salt: 1/2 tsp .
• Eggs: 2 large .
• Nutmeg: A pinch, freshly grated.

Seasoning Notes: Essential Flavors for Lamb Mince and Olive Recipe

The cumin and smoked paprika are essential. Play with the chili flakes for heat. I sometimes add a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth.

You can substitute dried oregano for cilantro. Salt and pepper are crucial.

Equipment Needed: Simple Tools for a Savory Lamb and Corn Casserole

You'll need a large skillet or Dutch oven. A food processor or blender is handy for the corn. A 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish is perfect. A potato masher works well.

Honestly, don't sweat it if you don't have everything. The main things are a pan, a baking dish, and a way to blend the corn.

I once made a shepherd's pie with corn topping using a hand mixer and a casserole dish. It wasn't pretty, but it tasted great!

Cooking Method: Bake Your Way to Comfort

Right, let's chat about baking this scrummy lamb mince and olive pastel . Honestly, baking is more forgiving than you think.

Don't stress it! This south american shepherd's pie is proper comfort food.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First off, mise en place . Sounds fancy, yeah? It just means getting everything prepped. Chop your onion (approx. 200g), mince your garlic (approx.

6g), and measure out your spices. Seriously, it makes cooking so much smoother. It helps to keep all the containers with the elements for the lamb mince pastel recipe at hand.

Now, a time saver: Thaw your 800g corn while you're prepping the lamb. Saves a bunch of time! Speaking of saving time, if you happen to have some leftover cooked lamb mince from another meal, even better, you can skip the whole lamb mince preparation process and speed up the overall cooking time!.

Safety, innit? Don't be a muppet. Use oven gloves! And keep little ones away from the hot hob.

step-by-step: From Hob to Oven

Right, here's the drill:

1. Sauté your chopped onion and minced garlic in 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil until softened.
2. Add 450g lamb mince and brown it nicely. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and a pinch of chili flakes (if you're feeling brave). Add 1/2 cup (120 ml) red wine, 400g diced tomatoes, and 1/2 cup (120 ml) beef broth. Simmer for 30 minutes until thickened.
4. Stir in 75g sliced green olives, 40g raisins (optional), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. For the corn topping, whizz up 800g thawed corn with 1/2 cup (120ml) milk, 2 tbsp (30g) butter, 1/4 cup (50g) sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt in a blender until coarse. Then stir in 2 large eggs and a pinch of nutmeg. This lamb mince corn pie will thank you for the nutmeg.
6. Pour the lamb mince and olive recipe into a 9x13 inch dish. Arrange sliced hard boiled eggs (if using) on top.
7. Spread the corn topping evenly. Dot with 2 tbsp (30g) butter.
8. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 30- 40 minutes until golden brown.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Lamb Pastel de Choclo

Honestly, browning the lamb properly makes all the difference. More flavour, you know? You will appreciate the comfort food lamb mince flavor.

Also, don't be shy with the sugar in the corn. A bit of sweetness balances the savory lamb beautifully. You can check other lamb pastel de choclo variations after, but stick to my advice for this one.

Important: Let it rest for 10- 15 minutes after baking. Stops it being a sloppy mess.

So, there you have it! Get baking and enjoy your lamb mince and olive pastel ! It’s delicious. The pastel de choclo lamb flavor will call to you.

Recipe Notes for Your Lamb Mince Masterpiece

Right then, before you dive headfirst into making this incredible lamb mince and olive pastel , let's run through a few things to keep in mind.

This ain't your average lamb mince pastel recipe ; it's a bit special, so listen up!

Serving Suggestions: The Presentation Plating

Honestly, presentation matters. Once your South American Shepherd's Pie is ready, let it rest for a bit. Then, a generous slice on a plate, garnished with fresh cilantro is a winner.

Think about a dollop of sour cream. A side of vibrant salsa? Oh my gosh! A crisp green salad cuts through the richness.

As for drinks, a nice Chilean red, like a Carmenere, would be spot on.

Storing the Comfort Food: Keepin' it Fresh

Got leftovers? No worries. Pop the baked lamb mince dish into an airtight container and it'll keep in the fridge for up to three days.

Want to freeze it? You can! Just wrap it well or portion it into freezer safe containers.

Reheating is a doddle. Microwave it, or better yet, stick it back in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until it's heated through.

Just be careful not to dry it out. I think about adding a splash of beef stock if reheating from frozen.

Variations: Make it Your Own Lamb Pastel de Choclo

One thing I love about this lamb mince corn pie is how easy it is to adapt. Need a dairy-free version? Use almond milk and a plant based butter alternative.

Want a vegetarian version of this savory lamb and corn casserole ? Swap out the lamb mince with lentils or a veggie mince.

For a spicier kick, add some chopped jalapeños. Also, keep in mind, you can add ground beef in stead of lamb for this pastel de choclo lamb , so your lamb mince and olive recipe can suit your preferences and diet.

Nutrition Basics: What's Inside?

Each serving of this lamb mince and olive pastel packs a protein punch. It has fibre from the corn. We are talking around 450-550 calories, 30-35g protein, and 5-7g fiber per serving.

It's proper comfort food lamb mince .

This shepherd's pie with corn topping is pretty darn delicious, and it's got some goodness going on too. So, go on, give it a go! You won't regret it. Enjoy!