Pastel de Jaiba Chilote
A rich and creamy baked crab casserole, traditional in the Chiloé region of Chile. It features tender crab meat baked in a creamy sauce, often with a cheesy, gratinated topping.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Carne de jaiba (crab meat)(fresh or canned, drained and shredded)
- 1 medium Cebolla (onion)(finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Ajo (garlic)(minced)
- 2 tbsp Mantequilla (butter)
- 8 slices Pan de molde (white bread slices)(crusts removed)
- 1 cup Leche (milk)
- 2 cups Crema de leche (heavy cream)
- 1 cup Vino blanco (white wine)
- 1 cup Queso parmesano (Parmesan cheese)(grated, plus more for topping)
- 1 tbsp Pimentón dulce (sweet paprika)
- 1 tsp Orégano seco (dried oregano)
- to taste Sal (salt)
- to taste Pimienta negra (black pepper)
- 2 tbsp Perejil fresco (fresh parsley)(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a baking dish or individual ramekins.
💡 Tip: Using individual ramekins can make for a more elegant presentation. - 2
In a bowl, soak the bread slices in milk until softened. Mash with a fork to form a paste.
💡 Tip: Ensure the bread is fully saturated for a smooth texture. - 3
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Add minced garlic, paprika, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 5
Add the shredded crab meat and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently.
- 6
Pour in the white wine and let it simmer and reduce for about 3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.
- 7
Stir in the mashed bread mixture, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring, until the mixture thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
- 8
Transfer the crab mixture to the prepared baking dish or ramekins.
💡 Tip: Ensure the mixture is evenly distributed. - 9
Sprinkle the top with additional grated Parmesan cheese.
💡 Tip: A generous topping of cheese will create a delicious golden crust. - 10
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- 11
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
💡 Tip: Fresh parsley adds a touch of color and freshness.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of brandy or sherry to the crab mixture.
- ✓If fresh crab is not available, good quality canned crab meat can be used. Ensure it is well-drained.
- ✓Some variations include adding a finely chopped hard-boiled egg or some cooked peas to the mixture.
🔄 Variations
- Add a layer of thinly sliced cooked potatoes or hard-boiled eggs at the bottom of the baking dish before adding the crab mixture.
- Incorporate a tablespoon of merkén (Chilean smoked chili pepper) for a subtle smoky heat.