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Pastéis (Brazilian Empanadas)

Pastéis are a popular street food in Brazil and are essentially fried empanadas. They are made with a thin, crispy pastry shell and are typically filled with a variety of savory ingredients, such as ground beef, chicken, cheese, or vegetables. The fillings are seasoned with herbs and spices to create a delicious and satisfying snack or meal. A Pastel is often enjoyed with a cold beer or refreshing fruit juice and are a great option for a quick and tasty meal on the go. Their crispy texture and flavorful fillings make them a beloved part of Brazilian cuisine.

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Pastéis (Brazilian Empanadas)

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 15 1x
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 3 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 3 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 Tbsp cachaça (use vodka if cachaça is unavailable)
  • 1 Tbsp salt
  • Filling of your choice (prepared ahead of time and cooled)
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

Make the dough

  1. Mix the flour and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. Create a pit in the middle.
  2. Add the oil, cachaça, and a small amount of water to the pit and start the stand mixer on low speed.
  3. Slowly add the rest of the water as the mixture hardens.
  4. If the dough is too sticky, add flour. If the dough is too hard, add a small amount of water.
  5. Roll the dough out onto a floured surface as thin as possible and cut into circles. Repeat this process with the leftover dough.

Add the filling

  1. Scoop a generous amount of filling into each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as it may cause the dough to tear when you fold it over.
  2. Lightly wet the outer rim of the dough circle, then fold it over to create a semi-circle.
  3. Press down around the edges with a fork. Be sure not to leave any openings.

Fry the pastéis

  1. Set your exhaust fan to high, then fill a pan with approximately 1.5″ to 2″ of oil and heat to 350° F. It should be just enough oil to almost cover the pastéis.
  2. Fry two or three pastéis at a time, depending on the space available in the pan.
  3. Fry one side of each pastel for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then flip and fry the other side for the same amount of time.
  4. Once they start to get golden brown, remove from the frying pan and place on paper towels.

Notes

You may use an empanada press to stuff, fold, and seal the pastéis.

For a beef filling, try ground beef, salt, and pepper with finely chopped onions, garlic, olives, hard-boiled eggs, and parsley.

Other fillings to try: chicken, shrimp, pulled pork, ham & cheese, Nutella & strawberries 

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

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One of the unique aspects of Pastéis is the wide variety of fillings that can be used. In Brazil, it is common to find Pastéis filled with ground beef, chicken, cheese, or vegetables such as hearts of palm. Each filling is seasoned with a unique blend of herbs and spices to create a flavorful and satisfying snack or meal.

While Pastéis can be enjoyed at any time of day, they are particularly popular as a late-night snack or as an appetizer with a cold beer. They are also a great option for a quick and tasty meal on the go, as they are easy to carry and eat with your hands.

Pastéis are an integral part of Brazilian cuisine and have a rich history dating back to the 19th century. The dish was first introduced to Brazil by Portuguese immigrants who brought with them the recipe for the empanada. Over time, the dish evolved and became a beloved staple of Brazilian cuisine.

Today, Pastéis can be found in nearly every corner of Brazil, from street vendors to high-end restaurants. Many cities have dedicated Pastelarias, which are small shops that specialize in selling Pastéis in a variety of flavors and sizes.

One of the unique aspects of Pastéis is that they can be easily adapted to suit a variety of dietary restrictions. For example, vegetarians can enjoy Pastéis filled with vegetables or cheese, while those with a gluten intolerance can opt for Pastéis made with a gluten-free flour.

In addition to their delicious taste and versatility, Pastéis are also a relatively healthy snack. While they are deep-fried, the pastry shell is thin and crispy, which means that they contain fewer calories than many other fried foods. They are also a good source of protein and carbohydrates, making them a great option for athletes and active individuals.

Overall, Pastéis are a beloved part of Brazilian cuisine and a must-try dish for anyone visiting Brazil. Whether enjoyed as a late-night snack, an appetizer, or a meal on the go, Pastéis are a tasty and satisfying way to experience the flavors and culture of Brazil.

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