Pastel de Papas (Chilean Potato Pie) Recipe
Pastel de Papas is a beloved Chilean comfort food that combines layers of seasoned ground beef, onions, boiled eggs, olives, and a smooth mashed potato topping. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for gatherings and family meals. Here’s how you can make it at home.
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 boiled eggs, sliced
- 1/2 cup pitted black olives, sliced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Potato Topping:
- 2 lbs (900g) potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potato Topping:
- In a large pot, cover the peeled and chopped potatoes with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add the milk and butter to the pot and mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is browned and cooked through.
- Add the ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the meat mixture. Stir well to combine the spices evenly.
- Add the sliced olives to the skillet and mix them into the meat mixture. Remove the skillet from the heat.
3. Assemble the Pastel de Papas:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a baking dish (9×13 inches or a similar size) with butter or oil.
- Spread half of the mashed potatoes evenly over the bottom of the baking dish.
- Layer the cooked ground beef mixture on top of the potatoes.
- Place the sliced boiled eggs over the meat layer.
- Cover the filling with the remaining mashed potatoes, spreading them out evenly to cover the entire dish.
4. Bake the Pastel de Papas:
- Place the assembled pastel de papas in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Remove the pastel de papas from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Cut the pastel de papas into squares and serve hot.
- Enjoy this delicious Chilean potato pie with a side of fresh salad or some pebre, a traditional Chilean condiment made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and chili peppers.
¡Buen provecho! (Enjoy your meal!)
