Brazilian recipe
Easy Baked Pastry Parcels (Pastel assado)
A traditional Brazilian oven-baked pastry with a golden, crisp crust and a savoury ground beef filling. Perfect for gatherings or as a satisfying snack.
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Ingredients
1 kg plain flour
500 g vegetable shortening
1 tsp salt
290 ml chilled guaraná soda
1 kg beef mince
Salt and seasonings to taste
1 egg yolk, lightly beaten for glazing
500 g vegetable shortening
1 tsp salt
290 ml chilled guaraná soda
1 kg beef mince
Salt and seasonings to taste
1 egg yolk, lightly beaten for glazing
Where to find ingredients
You can find plain flour, vegetable shortening, and beef mince at any major supermarket like Woolworths or Coles. For the guaraná soda, look for international grocers or the ethnic foods aisle in large supermarkets, as this is a specific Brazilian soft drink required for the dough's unique texture.
Preparation method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain flour, vegetable shortening, and salt.
- Gradually pour in the chilled guaraná soda while mixing until the dough becomes smooth and consistent. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
- Divide the dough into smaller portions and roll them out thinly, using a circular cutter or small bowl to form pastry discs.
- Prepare the filling by seasoning the raw beef mince with your preferred herbs and spices to taste. Do not cook the meat beforehand.
- Place a spoonful of the raw beef filling onto one half of each disc, then fold over and crimp the edges firmly to seal the parcels.
- Arrange the parcels on a lined baking tray.
- Brush the top of each pastel lightly with the beaten egg yolk.
- Place the tray into a preheated oven at a high heat (approximately 200°C).
- Bake until the pastry is golden brown and the meat is cooked through. Test for readiness by inserting a toothpick into the centre; it should come out clean and the dough should be crisp.
Observations
The 'pastel assado' is a staple in Brazilian kitchens, offering a convenient and flavourful alternative to the iconic deep-fried version. By baking these parcels in the oven, you achieve a lighter, pastry-like texture that is perfectly crisp on the outside and tender within, making them an ideal finger food for parties or family afternoon tea.
This recipe features a unique, accessible technique: incorporating chilled guaraná soda into the dough. This creates a remarkably light and delicate pastry, while a punchy, well-seasoned raw ground beef filling ensures the parcels cook through with authentic flavour and juiciness.
This recipe features a unique, accessible technique: incorporating chilled guaraná soda into the dough. This creates a remarkably light and delicate pastry, while a punchy, well-seasoned raw ground beef filling ensures the parcels cook through with authentic flavour and juiciness.
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