Authentic Senegalese Pastels Recipe: Delicious Fried Pies with a Twist

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 cup of cold butter, cut into cubes
  • 1/2 cup of cold water
  • 1 tablespoon of vinegar
  • 1 egg, for egg wash
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • 2 cups of ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 cup of diced bell peppers
  • 1 cup of diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup of chopped parsley
  • 1/2 cup of chopped green onions

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter and mix with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
  2. Add the cold water and vinegar to the flour mixture. Mix until the dough comes together. If the dough is too dry, add a bit more water.
  3. Form the dough into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  4. While the dough is chilling, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent. Add the bell peppers, tomatoes, and tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
  6. Add the cooked beef back to the skillet. Stir in the parsley and green onions. Remove from heat and let cool.
  7. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface. Cut out circles using a large cookie cutter or a glass.
  8. Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Seal the edges by crimping with a fork.
  9. Heat a large amount of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or deep fryer. Once the oil is hot, fry the pastels until they are golden brown on all sides. Drain on paper towels.
  10. Serve the pastels warm. Enjoy!

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
  • Replace the ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a meat-free option.
  • Add different spices and herbs to the filling, such as cumin, paprika, or cilantro, to customize the flavor.
  • Try a different type of crust, such as puff pastry or phyllo dough, for a flakier texture.
  • For a spicy twist, add chopped jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
  • Experiment with different fillings, like shredded chicken, shrimp, or a combination of vegetables.
  • Add grated cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, to the filling for a cheesy variation.
  • Make mini pastels by using smaller dough circles and reducing the frying time.
  • Serve with a dipping sauce, such as salsa, guacamole, or a spicy mayo, for added flavor.
  • For a healthier alternative, bake the pastels in the oven instead of frying them.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our recipe for Pastels! These delicious, deep-fried pastries filled with savory ground beef and vegetables are a popular snack in many cultures, from Latin America to West Africa. The crust is crispy and flaky, while the filling is hearty and flavorful. Making pastels is a two-step process: First, you'll create a simple dough from flour, salt, butter, water, and vinegar. While the dough chills, you'll prepare a filling of ground beef, onion, garlic, bell peppers, tomatoes, parsley, and green onions. After that, it's just a matter of assembling and frying your pastels. This recipe is a perfect way to bring a taste of global street food into your kitchen. Whether you're serving these pastels at a party or enjoying them as a snack, they're sure to be a hit. Happy cooking!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe? No, it is best to use all-purpose flour for this recipe to achieve the desired texture and taste.
  2. Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil? Butter provides the best flavor and texture, but you can use margarine as a substitute. However, using oil may alter the texture of the dough.
  3. Can I skip the refrigeration step? It is highly recommended to refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes as it allows the gluten to relax and makes the dough easier to work with.
  4. Can I bake the pastels instead of frying them? While traditionally pastels are fried, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
  5. Can I use a different filling? Certainly! While this recipe uses a ground beef filling, you can get creative and use different fillings such as chicken, shrimp, or vegetarian options like cheese and vegetables.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Pastels, or Pastéis in Portuguese, are a beloved street food in Brazil. These savory pastries, originally introduced by the Japanese immigrants in the early 20th century, quickly won the hearts of Brazilians and became a staple at local fairs and markets. The story goes that these tasty treats were an adaptation of the traditional Japanese gyoza, modified to appeal to the Brazilian palate. The fillings were diversified, and instead of being steamed, these bite-sized pastries were deep-fried to golden perfection. The result was the crispy and flavorful pastel, a symbol of the multicultural culinary landscape of Brazil. The term "pastel" is also a nod to its visual appeal, as it refers to the pale color of the dough before it's cooked, much like an artist's pastel.

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.