Worth The Hunt
The Recipe · No.1277 · Pastel de Choclo

Pastel de Choclo, and where to source it

Pastel de Choclo — Worth The Hunt WORTH THE HUNT Pastel de Choclo Chilean 5best2buy.com

Cook the ground fresh corn with a little milk and basil until it thickens into a spoonable paste before it goes on top, so it sets into a firm golden crust rather than weeping in the oven.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep35 min
Cook45 min
Makes6 servings
CuisineChilean
Cost$$$
Gluten-free
Contains  dairy · eggs
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 6 servings
Fresh corn kernels
6 cups
6 cups
Local / market
Milk
1/2 cup
1/2 cup
Source it →
Fresh basil leaves
6
6
Source it →
Ground beef
1.25 lb
1.25 lb
Source it →
Onions, finely diced
2
2
Local / market
Ground cumin and paprika
1 tsp each
1 tsp each
Local / market
Cooked chicken pieces
2 cups
2 cups
Source it →
Black olives
12
12
Local / market
Hard-boiled eggs, sliced
3
3
Local / market
Raisins
1/3 cup
1/3 cup
Source it →
Sugar for topping
2 tbsp
2 tbsp
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Air fryerSheet pan
The Method
  1. Cook the onions slowly until soft, add the beef with cumin and paprika, and cook down into a moist pino.20 min
  2. Blend the corn, then cook it with the milk and basil, stirring, until it thickens into a spoonable paste.15 min
  3. Spread the pino in a baking dish and lay chicken, olives, egg slices, and raisins over it.5 min
  4. Cover with the corn paste, smooth the top, and sprinkle with sugar.3 min
  5. Bake at 400F until the corn crust is set and deep golden.45 min
The Toolkit

Blender · Skillet · Baking dish

Straight Answers
Can you make Pastel de Choclo in an air fryer? — Yes

Yes — bake it in a small pan or dish that fits the basket, at about 25°F below the recipe temperature. Air fryers run hot and fast, so check it early; no flipping needed.

Can you freeze Pastel de Choclo? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Pastel de Choclo ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Pastel de Choclo gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Pastel de Choclo vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.1277