PASTEL AZTECA

Directions

  1. 1Add water to a pot with bay leaves, salt, 1/4 onion, and 3-4 garlic cloves.
  2. 2Add the chicken when the water is boiling. Cook for 30-40 minutes or until it is cooked thoroughly.
  3. 3Remove the chicken and shred using your preferred method. Reserve 2 cups of broth.
  4. 4Roast the poblano peppers, jalapeños, and 1/4 of the onion using your preferred method.
  5. 5Place the poblanos in a bag or covered container for 10-15 minutes before peeling and deseeding them.
  6. 6Chop 4 of them into slices and save the other 4 for the sauce.
  7. 7Chop 1/2 of the onion into slices and drain the corn.
  8. 8Add the 4 poblanos, roasted onion, jalapeños, 3-4 garlic cloves, 1 cup crema Mexicana, cream cheese, cilantro, and 1.5 cups of chicken broth to the blender.
  9. 9Blend until smooth. Add seasonings of choice.
  10. 10To a pan, add oil. Add the sliced onions and cook for 3 minutes.
  11. 11Add the corn and poblano peppers. Cook for 3 minutes.
  12. 12Add the chicken and sauce. Mix well and simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes.
  13. 13Pre heat your oven to 350° F.
  14. 14While the chicken mixture simmers, in a separate pan, add a light layer of oil.
  15. 15Add the tortillas and cook for 15 seconds on each side.
  16. 16Begin to assemble your pastel in a baking dish - a layer of tortillas, a layer of the chicken mixture, a layer of cheese, and repeat until you finish with a final layer of cheese.
  17. 17Place it in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese has completely melted.
  18. 18Optionally broil for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown.

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs chicken breast
  • 2 bay leaves
  • salt
  • 1 large onion
  • 8 garlic cloves
  • 8 Chile poblanos
  • jalapeños
  • 1 handful cilantro
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup crema mexicana
  • 1 can corn
  • chicken bouillon
  • black pepper
  • 20 corn tortillas
  • 1 lb melting cheese
  • oil

Equipment

pottongsblenderknifecutting boardpanbaking dishoven