Pastel is a beloved Brazilian street food, known for its crispy, thin crust and delicious fillings. This recipe features a savory ground beef filling, creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. These fried pastries are a must-try snack, perfect for any gathering or as a quick meal. Follow this easy recipe to make authentic Brazilian fried pastel with ground beef!
Ingredients (Makes 10 pastéis)
For the Dough:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup of warm water (adjust as needed)
- 1 tablespoon of cachaça (optional, for extra crispiness)
For the Filling:
- 300 g (about 2/3 lb) of ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup of chopped green olives (optional)
- 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Preparation Time: 1 hour
- Prepare the dough: In a bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the vegetable oil and gradually add the warm water (and cachaça, if using), mixing until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes, cover with a cloth, and let it rest while preparing the filling.
- Cook the filling: In a frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned. Season with salt and pepper, add the chopped olives (if using), and stir in the chopped parsley. Let the filling cool slightly.
- Roll out the dough: Divide the dough into small portions and roll each one into thin rectangles or circles on a floured surface.
- Fill the pastéis: Place a spoonful of the beef filling on one side of each dough piece, leaving the edges clear. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges with a fork to seal.
- Fry the pastéis: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer until hot (about 350°F or 180°C). Fry the pastéis in batches until they are golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Drain and serve: Remove the pastéis from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with a side of your favorite dipping sauce.
Enjoy these crispy, delicious Brazilian fried pastéis filled with savory ground beef. They’re perfect for sharing and will surely be a hit at any gathering!
