Pasteis De Carne (Fried Pastries with Meat Filling)

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.