Brazilian recipe
Easy Homemade Baked Pastel (Pastel assado)
Discover how to prepare this classic Brazilian-style oven-baked pastry. With a golden, crisp exterior and a juicy minced meat filling, it is the perfect snack 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 minced meat
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 minced meat
Salt and seasonings to taste for the meat
1 egg yolk for brushing
Where to find ingredients
Find all-purpose flour, vegetable shortening, and eggs at local supermarkets like Choppies or Spar. For the minced meat, visit your neighborhood butcher's counter or the meat section of major retailers. If you cannot find guaraná soda, a light, clear lemon-lime carbonated drink can serve as a substitute for the sugar and carbonation effect.
Preparation method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, vegetable shortening, and salt.
- Gradually pour in the chilled guaraná soda, mixing until you form a cohesive, smooth dough; take care not to over-knead.
- Divide the dough into smaller portions and roll each out to form thin discs for the pastry shells.
- Prepare the filling by seasoning the raw minced meat with salt and your preferred herbs and spices; do not pre-cook the meat.
- Place a portion of the raw filling onto one half of each dough disc and fold it over to seal the edges, forming the pastels.
- Arrange the assembled pastels on a baking sheet.
- Brush the top of each pastel with the beaten egg yolk for a beautiful golden finish.
- Place in an oven preheated to a high temperature (approximately 200°C).
- Bake until the pastels are golden brown and the crust is thoroughly cooked; to check, insert a toothpick into one—if it comes out clean and the dough feels firm, they are ready.
Observations
The baked pastel is a beloved staple of Brazilian home cooking, offering a lighter and convenient alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. By baking these pastries in the oven, you achieve a delicate, flaky crust that remains incredibly satisfying, making them a fantastic choice for tea time or as party finger food.
This recipe relies on simple, accessible ingredients and a straightforward method. The secret to the dough's signature texture—light, airy, and tender—is the addition of guaraná soda. Paired with a savory, seasoned raw minced meat filling that cooks to perfection inside the pastry, this snack is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
This recipe relies on simple, accessible ingredients and a straightforward method. The secret to the dough's signature texture—light, airy, and tender—is the addition of guaraná soda. Paired with a savory, seasoned raw minced meat filling that cooks to perfection inside the pastry, this snack is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
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