There’s nothing quite like a crispy, homemade pastel, is there? I know we can’t always find those authentic Brazilian street-market-style pastéis when the craving hits. Well, you no longer have to wait for the weekend market to satisfy your hunger. Today, you’ll learn how to make your own easy homemade pastel dough right in your kitchen.
Ingredients for Easy Pastel Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour;
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or extra-virgin olive oil;
- 1 cup warm water (approx. 8.5 fl oz);
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste).
How to Make Easy Pastel Dough:
- Place the flour in a large mixing bowl;
- Gradually add the warm water, oil, and salt while mixing constantly;
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and homogeneous;
- Cover and let it rest for about 30 minutes;
- Roll out the dough using a rolling pin until it is very thin;
- Cut into rectangles, add your favorite filling, seal the edges, and deep-fry until golden brown.
Filling Ideas:
For that authentic Brazilian street-market flavor, try these classic fillings: Ground beef, mozzarella, “bauru” (ham, cheese, and tomato), pizza style (cheese, oregano, and tomato), chicken with cream cheese (catupiry), or simple ham and cheese. The possibilities are endless!
Did You Know?
Pastel is a Brazilian fried pastry consisting of a thin, crispy dough wrapper filled with various savory or sweet ingredients and deep-fried in boiling oil. While it has roots in European culinary traditions, it is a quintessential street food staple in Brazil and Portugal, enjoyed by millions as a quick and delicious snack. (Source: Wikipedia).
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