Brazilian recipe
Oven-Baked Pastel (Pastel assado)
A crisp yet tender golden-crusted savoury pastry filled with seasoned ground meat. A classic, convenient treat for any gathering.
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Ingredients
1 kg all-purpose flour
500 g vegetable shortening
1 tsp salt
290 ml chilled guaraná soda
1 kg ground beef
Salt and seasonings to taste for the meat
1 egg yolk for brushing
500 g vegetable shortening
1 tsp salt
290 ml chilled guaraná soda
1 kg ground beef
Salt and seasonings to taste for the meat
1 egg yolk for brushing
Where to find ingredients
You can find all-purpose flour, vegetable shortening, and fresh beef at local supermarkets in Barbados. For the guaraná soda, visit local specialty shops or the international aisle of larger grocery stores; if unavailable, a light, clear lemon-lime soda can serve as a substitute.
Preparation method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, vegetable shortening, and salt.
- Gradually add the chilled guaraná soda, mixing until a uniform and workable dough forms; avoid over-kneading.
- Divide the dough into smaller portions and roll each out to create thin discs for your pastries.
- Prepare the filling by combining the ground beef with salt and your choice of herbs and spices; do not pre-cook the meat.
- Spoon the filling onto one half of each dough disc and fold over to seal the edges, creating the signature shape.
- Arrange the pastries on a baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced out.
- Lightly brush the top of each pastry with the beaten egg yolk for a beautiful golden finish.
- Place in an oven preheated to a high temperature (approximately 200°C / 400°F).
- Bake until golden brown and fully cooked; you can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick—if it comes out clean and the crust is firm, they are ready.
Observations
The 'pastel assado' is a staple in Brazilian kitchens, offering a practical and savoury alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. By baking these pastries, you achieve a delicate, lighter texture that is less greasy, making them an excellent choice for snacks or as finger food at social events and family get-togethers.
This recipe relies on a simple yet effective technique for the dough, which includes a splash of guaraná soda—a unique Brazilian touch that helps ensure the crust remains tender and flaky. Combined with a flavourful raw ground meat filling that cooks perfectly inside the pastry, these are consistently popular with guests.
This recipe relies on a simple yet effective technique for the dough, which includes a splash of guaraná soda—a unique Brazilian touch that helps ensure the crust remains tender and flaky. Combined with a flavourful raw ground meat filling that cooks perfectly inside the pastry, these are consistently popular with guests.
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