The large kernel Andean corn known as choclo has a nutty, chewy taste and is slightly less sweet than North American corn. Choclo is often paired with queso fresco as a snack in South America or served as a side dish with a savory chile cheese sauce.
This recipe is a North American take on that delicious choclo and cheese combination. If you can find frozen Andean choclo at your local Latin food market, you'll enjoy its unique taste in this rich, cheesy dish. This casserole would make a great Thanksgiving side dish, as it represents indigenous local flavors with a North American casserole-style presentation.
Ingredients
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1 (16-ounce) bag frozen choclo kernels
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1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
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2 teaspoons aji panca paste, or 2 teaspoons minced chile pepper
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1 teaspoon cumin
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3 tablespoons butter
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3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1 1/2 cups whole milk
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1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco cheese
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1/4 cup cream cheese
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1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated
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1/3 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
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Salt, to taste
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Pepper, to taste
Steps to Make It
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Gather the ingredients.
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Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the frozen corn. Cook the corn until it is just tender, but still chewy, about 5 to 8 minutes.
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Drain corn and set aside.
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In a medium saucepan, sauté the minced onion, cumin, and aji panca paste in the butter over medium heat, until the onion is soft and fragrant.
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Add the flour and stir for a minute or two, then whisk in the milk. Continue to stir until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens.
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Remove from heat and stir in the cream cheese, queso fresco, and 1/4 cup of the cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Preheat the oven to 350 F. Lightly butter or grease an oven-proof casserole dish.
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Stir the cooked corn into the cheese sauce, then place the mixture into the casserole.
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Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and the mozzarella cheese over the top of the corn.
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Heat casserole in the oven until the cheese is melted and the corn is bubbly.
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Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
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304 | Calories |
19g | Fat |
26g | Carbs |
11g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
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Servings: 4 to 6 | |
Amount per serving | |
Calories | 304 |
% Daily Value* | |
Total Fat 19g | 24% |
Saturated Fat 11g | 54% |
Cholesterol 52mg | 17% |
Sodium 477mg | 21% |
Total Carbohydrate 26g | 10% |
Dietary Fiber 3g | 9% |
Total Sugars 7g | |
Protein 11g | |
Vitamin C 6mg | 30% |
Calcium 247mg | 19% |
Iron 1mg | 6% |
Potassium 375mg | 8% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. |
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