Pastel de Feira is a popular Brazilian street food, often enjoyed at fairs and markets. These deep-fried savory pastries are typically filled with a variety of ingredients such as cheese, ground beef, chicken, or heart of palm. The crispy pastry shell and flavorful fillings make it an irresistible snack or light meal. Follow this recipe to create your own Pastel de Feira at home!
Ingredients (Makes 12 pastries)
For the Dough:
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon of cachaça (optional, for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of warm water (add more if needed)
For the Filling:
- 200 g (7 oz) of shredded mozzarella cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
- 200 g (7 oz) of ground beef, cooked and seasoned
- 1/4 cup of green olives, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup of diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil for deep-frying
Instructions
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and vegetable oil. Add the cachaça (if using) and gradually pour in the warm water while mixing. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes. Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Roll out the dough: Divide the dough into small balls and roll each one into a thin rectangle or square (about 6×6 inches). The dough should be very thin to ensure a crispy result.
- Prepare the filling: For cheese pastéis, place a spoonful of shredded cheese in the center of the dough. For beef pastéis, mix the cooked ground beef with the chopped olives, tomatoes, and parsley. Place a spoonful of the beef mixture on the dough.
- Seal the pastries: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon or rectangle shape. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal them completely.
- Heat the oil: In a large frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F (180°C).
- Fry the pastéis: Fry the pastéis in batches, cooking for about 2-3 minutes per side or until golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot: Enjoy the pastéis immediately while they are still crispy and hot.
Pastel de Feira is perfect for a quick snack or to serve at parties. With a crispy outer shell and savory fillings, this Brazilian favorite is sure to be a hit!
