18+ Traditional Christmas Recipe In Chile Experience Flavor Like Never Before!

Published on: Apr 10, 2024

When it comes to Christmas in Chile, one of the most cherished traditions is gathering with loved ones to enjoy a delicious feast filled with traditional dishes. From savory empanadas to sweet alfajores, there is no shortage of delectable options to choose from. However, there is one particular recipe that holds a special place in the hearts of Chileans and is a must-have at every Christmas table. This recipe is for none other than pastel de choclo, a savory corn and meat pie that has been a staple in Chilean cuisine for centuries. Let's take a closer look at this beloved dish and why it has become such an integral part of Christmas in Chile.

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Mama’s Homemade Christmas Cheese Ball

Main Ingredients: Cream Cheese, Velveeta Cheese, Extra Sharp Cheddar

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Start off your holiday feast with this irresistible homemade cheese ball. Made with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and a blend of herbs and spices, this appetizer is sure to please. Serve it with crackers or sliced baguette for a delicious and festive treat.

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Overnight Christmas Breakfast Casserole

Main Ingredients: Breakfast Sausage, Red Pepper, Diced Onion, Spinach

Sausage & Egg Breakfast Casserole | Easy Overnight Christmas Breakfast

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Recipe for Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Oakdell Eggs, Sausage ...

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Don't want to spend all morning in the kitchen on Christmas day? This overnight breakfast casserole is the perfect solution. Simply prepare it the night before, pop it in the oven the next morning, and enjoy a warm and hearty breakfast with your loved ones.

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Christmas Appetizer

Main Ingredients: Cream Cheese, Sour Cream, Green Chiles, Red Bell

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Looking for a simple yet impressive appetizer to kick off your holiday meal? Look no further than these mouthwatering Christmas appetizers. Made with puff pastry, brie cheese, and cranberry sauce, these bite-sized treats are sure to be a hit.

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Christmas Wreath Antipasto Skewers

Main Ingredients: Mozzarella Balls, Basil Leaves, Cherry Tomatoes

Holiday Antipasto Wreath - Simply Scratch

Antipasto Christmas Wreath Appetizer - foodiecrush .com

If you're a fan of antipasto, you'll love these festive skewers. Made with a variety of meats, cheeses, and vegetables, these colorful and flavorful appetizers are perfect for any holiday party. Plus, they're easy to make and can be prepared in advance.

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Christmas Crack

Main Ingredients: Saltine Crackers, Unsalted Butter, Brown Sugar, Dark

Christmas Crack Recipe (Saltine Toffee) - Mom On Timeout

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This addictive holiday snack is a must-try for any Christmas gathering. Made with crackers, caramel, and chocolate, it's the perfect combination of sweet and salty. Plus, it's quick and easy to make, making it a great last-minute treat.

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Sweet And Spicy Christmas Nuts

Main Ingredients: Cayenne Pepper, Ground Cumin, Cinnamon, Ginger, Salt

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Add some heat to your holiday spread with these sweet and spicy Christmas nuts. Made with a blend of spices, maple syrup, and a touch of cayenne pepper, these nuts are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a little kick in their snacks.

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Christmas Morning Wife Saver

Main Ingredients: Bread, Ham, Cheddar Cheese, Large Eggs, Black Pepper

Christmas Morning Wife Saver - Made With Pink | Wife saver breakfast ...

Christmas Morning Casserole (Wife Saver) - Food Meanderings

Another great option for a stress-free Christmas breakfast, this "wife saver" casserole can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning. Loaded with hash browns, eggs, and bacon, it's a hearty and delicious way to start your day.

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Christmas Grinch Juice

Main Ingredients: Food Coloring, Orange Juice, Lemon Juice, Sweet N Low

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This festive drink is perfect for the little ones in your family. Made with lime sherbet, pineapple juice, and lemon-lime soda, it's a refreshing and colorful addition to any holiday spread. Plus, it's easy to make and can be served with or without alcohol.

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Christmas Salad

Main Ingredients: Brussels Sprouts, Kale, Pomegranate Arils, Chopped

Best Christmas Salad Recipe {Super Easy!} - Simply Stacie

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If you're looking for a lighter option to balance out all the indulgent holiday dishes, this Christmas salad is the perfect choice. Made with a mix of greens, cranberries, walnuts, and feta cheese, it's a delicious and healthy addition to any meal.

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Christmas Crack

Main Ingredients: Puffed Corn, White Almond Bark, M M S Candy, Pretzels

Yes, we've mentioned this recipe before, but it's just that good! Made with saltine crackers, brown sugar, and chocolate chips, this addictive snack is perfect for satisfying any sweet cravings during the holidays.

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Christmas Punch

Main Ingredients: Orange, Cranberries, Pomegranate Seeds, Cranberry

Simple Holiday Punch Recipe - I Heart Nap Time

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Need a drink to serve at your holiday party? This Christmas punch is a crowd-pleaser. Made with cranberry juice, pineapple juice, ginger ale, and a splash of vodka, it's a refreshing and festive option for any occasion.

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Easy Christmas Appetizer "Hummus Wreath"

Main Ingredients: Hummus, Crumbled Feta Cheese, Sliced Green Onions

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This creative and delicious appetizer is sure to impress your guests. Made with hummus, bell peppers, and pita chips, it's a healthy and tasty option for any holiday gathering. Plus, it's easy to make and looks beautiful on the table.

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Italian Christmas Cookies

Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Flour, Baking Powder

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Who says you can't have cookies for Christmas? These traditional Italian Christmas cookies are a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. Made with a blend of spices, nuts, and dried fruit, they're a unique and flavorful addition to any dessert spread.

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Christmas Breakfast Casserole

Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage, Onion, Roasted Red Peppers, Frozen

Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Sausage - The Food Charlatan

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Here's another delicious breakfast casserole recipe that can be made ahead of time. Loaded with sausage, eggs, and cheese, it's a hearty and filling dish that will keep you and your family satisfied until the big holiday meal.

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Christmas Morning Treats!

Main Ingredients: Refrigerated Buttermilk Biscuits, Butter, Maple Syrup

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Looking for something quick and easy to serve on Christmas morning? These Christmas morning treats are perfect. Made with cinnamon rolls, cream cheese, and icing, they're a sweet and indulgent way to start the day.

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Christmas Figgy Pudding

Main Ingredients: Dried Figs, Pitted Dates, Water, Baking Soda, Butter

Figgy Pudding: Understanding a Curious Christmas Dessert | Foodal

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This traditional English dessert is a must-try for anyone looking for a unique and festive holiday dish. Made with figs, raisins, and spices, it's a rich and flavorful dessert that will impress your guests.

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Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Cream Cheese, Egg, Vanilla Extract

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These gooey butter cookies are another delicious holiday treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Made with cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar, they're rich and decadent, and perfect for enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa.

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Christmas Hot Pepper Jelly

Main Ingredients: Jalapeno Peppers, Serrano Peppers, Red Bell Pepper

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If you're a fan of spicy foods, this Christmas hot pepper jelly is a must-try. Made with a blend of hot peppers, sugar, and apple cider vinegar, it's a unique and flavorful addition to any cheese plate or charcuterie board.

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Holiday Spiced Nuts (Christmas Nuts)

Main Ingredients: Packed Light Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Kosher Salt, Cumin

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Here's another festive nut recipe that will add some extra flavor to your holiday spread. Made with a blend of spices, brown sugar, and butter, these nuts are perfect for snacking on throughout the day or giving as a homemade gift.

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Beef and Red Chile Tamales

Main Ingredients: Boneless Beef Chuck, Small White Onions, Garlic Cloves

Red Chile Beef Tamales | The Frayed Apron

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If you're looking for a hearty and flavorful main dish for your holiday meal, these beef and red chile tamales are a great choice. Made with a spicy red chile sauce, they're a delicious and festive option for any Christmas celebration.

The History of Pastel de Choclo

The Origins

The origins of pastel de choclo can be traced back to the pre-Columbian era when corn was a staple in the diet of indigenous peoples in Chile. It was later introduced to Spanish colonizers and became a popular ingredient in their cuisine. Over time, the dish evolved to include a variety of meats, vegetables, and spices, making it a hearty and flavorful meal.

A Christmas Tradition

While pastel de choclo is enjoyed throughout the year, it has a special significance during Christmas in Chile. It is believed that the dish was first served during Christmas celebrations in the 16th century and has been a part of the holiday ever since. Today, it is a tradition for families to gather around the table and savor this delicious pie on Christmas Eve.

The Recipe

Ingredients and Preparation

The main ingredients of pastel de choclo include corn, ground beef or chicken, onions, eggs, olives, and various herbs and spices. The corn is pureed and mixed with the other ingredients to create a thick and creamy filling. The dish is then baked in the oven until the crust is golden brown and the filling is cooked through.

A Symbol of Unity

Aside from its delicious taste, pastel de choclo is also cherished for its symbolism. The dish brings together different ingredients and flavors to create a harmonious and flavorful blend, much like the diverse cultures and traditions that make up Chilean society. It is a reminder of the importance of coming together and celebrating the holiday season with loved ones. In conclusion, pastel de choclo is more than just a dish, it is a symbol of Christmas in Chile. Its rich history, traditional preparation, and symbolic nature make it a beloved and integral part of the holiday. So, if you want to experience a true Chilean Christmas, be sure to add this mouthwatering recipe to your holiday menu.