Pastel azteca facts for kids

Pastel azteca is a super yummy traditional Mexican dish. In the United States, people often call it tortilla casserole or tortilla pie. It's like a delicious layered cake, but made with tortillas and savory ingredients instead of sweet ones!

This dish is made by stacking layers of gently fried corn tortillas. Between these tortilla layers, you'll find tasty fillings. These include a rich tomato salsa, slices of mild poblano chili peppers, sweetcorn, and thinly sliced onion. To make it creamy and cheesy, sour cream and cheese are added. The traditional cheeses used are Oaxaca or Chihuahua cheese, both famous in Mexico.

Sometimes, people add meat to make it even heartier. Common choices are shredded chicken, ground beef, or pork. Once all the layers are stacked up, the pastel azteca is baked in an oven until it's bubbly and golden. It's a very popular and well-known dish that's a big part of Mexican food culture!

What is Pastel Azteca?

Pastel azteca is a comforting baked dish from Mexico. Imagine a lasagna, but instead of pasta, it uses soft corn tortillas! The name "Pastel azteca" means "Aztec cake" or "Aztec pie." This name hints at its rich history and connection to ancient Mexican traditions, even though the dish itself is more modern.

It's a fantastic way to use simple ingredients like tortillas, vegetables, and cheese to create something truly special. It’s often served at family gatherings or celebrations because it’s easy to make for a crowd and everyone loves it!

Main Ingredients You'll Find

The magic of pastel azteca comes from its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here are the main ones:

• Corn Tortillas: These are thin, flat breads made from corn flour. They are the base of the dish, holding all the layers together.
• Salsa: This is a flavorful sauce, usually made from tomatoes, onions, and chili peppers. It adds a tangy and slightly spicy kick.
• Poblano Chillis: These are mild green chili peppers. They add a unique, earthy flavor without being too hot.
• Sweetcorn: Little kernels of corn add a touch of sweetness and texture.
• Onion: Sliced onions bring a savory depth to the dish.
• Sour Cream: This makes the dish creamy and rich.
• Cheese: Oaxaca and Chihuahua cheeses are traditional. They melt beautifully and add a delicious, gooey texture.
• Meat (Optional): Many recipes include shredded chicken, ground beef, or pork for extra protein and flavor.

How It's Made

Making pastel azteca is like building a delicious edible tower!

1. First, corn tortillas are often lightly fried to make them a bit softer and more flavorful.
2. Then, a layer of tortillas is placed in a baking dish.
3. Next, a layer of the tomato salsa, poblano peppers, sweetcorn, and onions is spread over the tortillas.
4. Sour cream and cheese are added on top of the vegetable layer.
5. If using meat, a layer of shredded chicken or ground beef goes in next.
6. These layers are repeated until the dish is full.
7. Finally, the whole casserole is baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the dish is heated through. It comes out golden brown and smells amazing!

A Taste of Mexican Culture

Pastel azteca is more than just a meal; it's a symbol of Mexican comfort food. It's a dish that brings families together and is enjoyed during everyday meals and special occasions. Its popularity shows how important traditional recipes are in Mexican culture. It's a dish that truly represents the heart and soul of Mexican cooking.

See also

• In Spanish: Pastel azteca para niños