Chilean Green Bean, Toasted Corn and Merkén Cheese Timbale
Chilean Food
Intermediate

Chilean Green Bean, Toasted Corn and Merkén Cheese Timbale

An original Chilean-inspired dish featuring a creamy potato base, sautéed green beans, toasted corn, and melted cheese with a smoky touch of merkén. Served as a timbale, it is ideal for a comforting lunch or dinner.

25 minPrep
35 minCook
60 minTotal
4Servings
Vegetarian

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 600 g potatoes (peladas and cut diced)
  • 300 g green beans (without puntas and cut en trozos small)
  • 250 g corn kernels (fresh or congelado)
  • 120 g onion (chopped fina)
  • 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
  • 180 g chanco cheese or mozzarella (grated or en hebras)
  • 120 ml milk (whole or semidescremada)
  • 30 g butter (divided)
  • 15 ml olive oil
  • 4 g merkén
  • 1 g dried oregano
  • 6 g salt (or to taste)
  • 1 g black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 2 units eggs (batidos)
  • 30 g breadcrumbs (for espolvorear)

Nutrition facts

per serving

365 kcal
Calories
15 g
Protein
38 g
Carbs
18 g
Fat
5 g
Fiber
33 g
Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

GlutenDairyEggs

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 200 °C / 400 °F. Lightly grease a baking dish or 4 individual molds with a little of the butter.

  2. 2

    Cook the potatoes in salted water for 12 to 15 minutes, until very tender. Drain and mash them with the milk, half of the butter, half of the salt, and some black pepper. Set aside.

  3. 3

    Meanwhile, cook the green beans in boiling salted water for 4 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to keep their color. Set aside.

  4. 4

    Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic, dried oregano, and merkén, and cook for 30 seconds more.

  5. 5

    Add the corn to the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring, until lightly toasted. Add the green beans, the remaining salt, and a bit more black pepper. Cook 2 minutes more and remove from the heat.

  6. 6

    Mix the sautéed vegetables with the beaten eggs and half of the cheese. Stir well to combine.

  7. 7

    Assemble the timbales by placing a layer of mashed potatoes in the dish or in each mold. Spread the green bean and corn mixture on top. Finish with the remaining cheese, the breadcrumbs, and the rest of the butter in small pieces over the surface.

  8. 8

    Bake for 18 to 20 minutes at 200 °C / 400 °F, until the cheese is melted and the top is golden. For more color, broil for 2 extra minutes, watching closely.

  9. 9

    Let rest for 5 minutes before serving so the timbale holds its shape and the flavors settle.

Chef tips

For a more defined shape, use greased individual molds and unmold after a 5-minute rest. Lightly toasting the corn gives the dish deeper, more contrasting flavor.

Substitutions

You can replace chanco cheese with mozzarella or a mild melting cheese. If you do not have merkén, use smoked paprika with a pinch of crushed chili. Green beans can be replaced with peas, although the result will be sweeter.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

  • Illustrative image: Countertop blenderIllustrative image

    Ninja Professional BL610 Blender

    Smoothies, sauces and soups

    • Smoothies, sauces and soups
    • Easy-to-wash jar
    • Check the power and jar size
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  • Illustrative image: Air fryerIllustrative image

    Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer

    Browning and baking with little oil

    • Browns food with very little oil
    • Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
    • Check the basket capacity
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Non-stick frying panIllustrative image

    T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan

    Eggs, omelets and stir-fries

    • Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
    • Comfortable, sturdy handle
    • Use wooden or silicone utensils
    View on Amazon

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