Pastel (Brazilian Fried Pastry) Recipe

Pastel (Brazilian Fried Pastry) Recipe

**Ingredients:**

For the Dough:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup warm water (more if needed)

For the Filling (Cheese is a common choice, but here are a few options):
– **Cheese Filling:** Mozzarella, provolone, or any melting cheese
– **Meat Filling:** 1 cup ground beef, cooked with onions, garlic, and spices
– **Vegetable Filling:** Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or a mix of chopped vegetables

For Frying:
– Vegetable oil

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Dough:**
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder.
– Add the vegetable oil and mix until the dough starts to come together.
– Gradually add the warm water while mixing, until the dough forms a smooth and elastic ball. You may need a little more water depending on the flour.
– Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes.

2. **Prepare the Filling:**
– If using meat, cook the ground beef with onions, garlic, and your favorite spices. Let it cool.
– If using cheese, simply cut it into small pieces or shred it.
– If using vegetables, sauté them until tender and season to taste. Let them cool.

3. **Assemble the Pastel:**
– On a floured surface, roll out the dough thinly (about 1/8 inch thick).
– Cut the dough into rectangles or squares, depending on the size you want your pastel to be.
– Place a spoonful of your desired filling in the center of each piece of dough.
– Fold the dough over the filling to form a rectangle or square, pressing the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges and ensure they are tightly sealed.

4. **Fry the Pastel:**
– In a deep frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot (about 350°F or 175°C).
– Fry the pastel in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each pastel for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy.
– Remove from the oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

5. **Serve:**
– Serve the pastel hot, ideally fresh from the fryer. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a dipping sauce like hot sauce or a simple tomato salsa.

These pastéis (plural of pastel) are a delicious and versatile snack, perfect for parties, appetizers, or a fun meal. You can experiment with different fillings to suit your taste! Enjoy! Let me know if you need any more details or variations on this recipe.