Authentic Brazilian Pastel: A Delicious Fried Pastry Recipe

Ingredients

3 cups of all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1 cup of unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup of granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/2 cup of milk
2 cups of sweet filling (such as guava paste or dulce de leche)
1 large egg yolk, for egg wash
1 tablespoon of water, for egg wash
Granulated sugar, for sprinkling

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder.
In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg to the butter and sugar mixture, followed by the vanilla extract, and mix until well incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
Using a round cookie cutter or glass, cut out circles of dough and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Place a spoonful of your chosen sweet filling on one half of each circle, then fold the other half over to create a semicircle. Press the edges to seal.
In a small bowl, beat together the egg yolk and water to make an egg wash. Brush this over the top of each pastel.
Sprinkle each pastel with a little granulated sugar, then bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Allow the pastels to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to combine the dry and wet ingredients.
Electric Mixer - To cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
Round Cookie Cutter or Glass - To cut out circles of dough for the pastels.
Baking Sheet - To place the pastels on before baking.
Parchment Paper - To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
Small Bowl - Used to mix the egg yolk and water for the egg wash.
Pastry Brush - To brush the egg wash onto the pastels.
Wire Rack - To cool the pastels after baking.

Recipe variations

Use a different type of flour, such as whole wheat flour or almond flour, for a healthier twist.
Replace the sweet filling with savory options, such as shredded chicken, cheese, or spinach and feta.
Add spices or herbs to the dough for added flavor, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or rosemary.
Experiment with different types of sweet fillings, such as Nutella, fruit preserves, or caramel.
Make mini-sized pastels by using a smaller cookie cutter or glass to cut out the dough circles.
Try a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour blend and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Make a vegan version by replacing the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and using a non-dairy milk substitute.
Add a twist of citrus flavor by adding lemon or orange zest to the dough.
Incorporate chopped nuts or dried fruits into the filling for added texture and taste.
Create a chocolate version by adding cocoa powder to the dough and using a chocolate filling.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our recipe page for Pastel, a delightful pastry that's equally perfect for a sweet treat or a special occasion. Originating from Latin America, Pastel is a half-moon shaped dessert filled with a variety of sweet fillings, such as guava paste or dulce de leche, that's sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. The process of creating these pastels involves a few simple steps: making a buttery dough, creating the filling, assembling the pastel, and finally, baking it to golden perfection. The result is a sweet, flaky pastry that's irresistibly delicious. Whether you're an experienced baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and fun to make. So, roll up your sleeves and let's get started on baking these delicious pastels!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of flour? You can try using alternative flours, such as whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour, but note that the texture and taste may be slightly different.
Can I use salted butter? It is recommended to use unsalted butter in this recipe to have better control over the saltiness of the pastry.
Can I use a different type of filling? Absolutely! While the traditional sweet fillings for Pastel are guava paste or dulce de leche, you can experiment with other fruit preserves, Nutella, or any other sweet filling of your choice.
Can I freeze the Pastel dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough after it is rolled out. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw it in the refrigerator before using.
How long do these Pastels stay fresh? When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, Pastels will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. You can also refrigerate them to extend their shelf life.
Can I add other flavors to the dough? Certainly! You can add a touch of citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, or even incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for extra flavor.

Serving dishes and utensils

Baking sheet - Used to bake the pastels in the oven.
Parchment paper - Placed on the baking sheet to prevent the pastels from sticking.
Large bowl - Used to mix the dry ingredients.
Separate bowl - Used to cream the butter and sugar.
Electric mixer - Helps cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Round cookie cutter or glass - Used to cut out circles of dough.
Spoon - Used to spoon the sweet filling onto the dough circles.
Pastry brush - Used to brush the egg wash on top of the pastels.
Wire rack - Used to cool the pastels after baking.
Knife or spatula - Used to transfer the pastels from the baking sheet to the wire rack.

Origin stories

Pastel, a delicious pastry prevalent in many Latin American cultures, is often traced back to Portuguese roots. Upon the extensive exploration and colonization of the New World by the Portuguese, several native ingredients were incorporated into their traditional recipes. The Pastel, as we know it today, is the result of this culinary fusion. It's a testament to the way food evolves and adapts with the movement of people and cultures. The fillings, sweet or savory, vary from country to country, reflecting the local taste and produce. Whether it's a guava-filled pastel from Brazil or a meat-filled pastel from Argentina, each bite tells a story of a rich, blended heritage.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.