Pasteis De Carne (Fried Pastries with Meat Filling)

30m
Prep Time
85m
Cook Time
1h 55m
Ready In


"These sound delicious, From "Latin American Cooking, A treasury of recipes from the South American countries, Mexico and the Caribbean"

Original is 24 servings
  • PASTRY
  • FILLING

Nutritional

  • Serving Size: 1 (213.7 g)
  • Calories 207.6
  • Total Fat - 11.9 g
  • Saturated Fat - 2.8 g
  • Cholesterol - 18.7 mg
  • Sodium - 222.3 mg
  • Total Carbohydrate - 13.9 g
  • Dietary Fiber - 6.6 g
  • Sugars - 6.2 g
  • Protein - 14.9 g
  • Calcium - 97.4 mg
  • Iron - 2.6 mg
  • Vitamin C - 128.1 mg
  • Thiamin - 0.3 mg

Step by Step Method

Step 1

To prepare the pastry, sift the flour and salt into a bowl.

Step 2

Add the melted shortening and warm milk and water.

Step 3

Mix to a smooth dough and cut into 2 pieces.

Step 4

To prepare the filling, heat the oil in a frying pan, add the onion and garlic and fry for 5 minutes until soft and golden.

Step 5

Add the tomatoes, ground beef and salt.

Step 6

Simmer for 20 minutes until almost dry.

Step 7

Remove from the heat.

Step 8

Add the chopped parsley, egg, cheese and olives and mix well.

Step 9

To assemble pastries, roll out the pastry on a floured board to 1/8 inch thickness.

Step 10

Cut 12, 4 inch circles from each piece, 24 circles.

Step 11

Place 1 tablespoon filling on each circle and moisten around the edge with warm water.

Step 12

Fold over and seal the edges well.

Step 13

Deep fry in preheated 375f degree oil for 4 to 5 minutes until golden and crisp.

Step 14

Remove with slotted spoon and drain on absorbent paper towel.

Step 15

The pastries are also delicious cold and make good picnic fare.

Step 16

They may also be made without the ground beef.

Step 17

Variation to replace ground beef, use finely chopped ham, chopped chicken, or shrimp.

Tips


No special items needed.

Editorial Notes

The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.


  • When choosing the shortening, make sure it is melted to lukewarm temperature, as this will make it easier to work with the dough.
  • For the filling, you can use a variety of ingredients such as ground beef, ham, chicken, or shrimp to suit your taste.

  • For the ground beef, substitute finely chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian option. The benefit of this substitution is that mushrooms have a meaty texture and flavor, making them a great substitute for ground beef.
  • For the ground beef, substitute ground turkey for a healthier option. The benefit of this substitution is that ground turkey is leaner than ground beef, making it a healthier option for those looking to reduce their fat intake.

Vegetarian Variation To make a vegetarian variation, replace the ground beef with 1 cup of cooked black beans, 1/2 cup of corn kernels, and 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers. Simmer the vegetables for 10 minutes until almost dry. Add the chopped parsley, egg, cheese, and olives and mix well. Follow the same instructions for assembling and frying the pastries.


Mexican Variation To make a Mexican variation, replace the ground beef with 1/2 cup of cooked chorizo sausage, 1/2 cup of cooked black beans, 1/4 cup of diced jalapenos, and 1/4 cup of diced tomatoes. Simmer the vegetables for 10 minutes until almost dry. Add the chopped cilantro, egg, cheese, and olives and mix well. Follow the same instructions for assembling and frying the pastries.


Arroz con Gandules (Rice with Pigeon Peas) - This is a classic Puerto Rican dish that is the perfect accompaniment for the Pasteis De Carne. The combination of the savory rice and the fried pastries with the flavorful meat filling is sure to be a hit!


Ensalada de Aguacate y Tomate: This delicious salad combines the creamy texture of avocado with the zesty flavor of tomatoes for a balanced and flavorful side dish. The acidity of the tomatoes and the richness of the avocado will pair nicely with the savory flavors of the Arroz con Gandules and the fried Pasteis De Carne.




FAQ

Q: What type of oil should I use for deep frying?

A: Any neutral-flavored oil that has a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or canola oil, can be used for deep frying.



Q: How long should I deep fry food?

A: The cooking time for deep frying food can vary depending on the type of food and the temperature of the oil. In general, most foods should be fried for 3-5 minutes.

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Fun facts:

Fun Fact 1: Pasteis de Carne is a popular dish in Brazil and is often served at festivals and special occasions. It is believed to have been invented by a cook in the court of King João VI in the early 19th century.

Fun Fact 2: Pasteis de Carne has become popular in other countries, too. It was featured in the movie “The Queen of the South”, starring Alice Braga, and has been served at the White House by celebrity chef José Andrés.