Brazilian recipe
Homemade crispy market-style pastel dough (Massa de pastel de feira e)
Master the art of authentic, crispy market-style pastel dough at home. This straightforward recipe uses simple pantry staples to achieve that signature crunch.
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Ingredients
500g all-purpose wheat flour
2 whole eggs
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
200ml lukewarm water
1 tablespoon cachaça or vodka
2 pinches of salt
2 whole eggs
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
200ml lukewarm water
1 tablespoon cachaça or vodka
2 pinches of salt
Where to find ingredients
All-purpose flour, eggs, oil, and salt are available at any local supermarket or general food store. Cachaça may be found at specialized liquor retailers, while vodka serves as a suitable substitute at most grocery outlets.
Preparation method
- In a large mixing bowl, lightly beat the eggs and whisk in the oil, the cachaça (or vodka), and the salt.
- Gradually add the flour to the liquid mixture, incorporating it steadily.
- Begin to knead the dough using your hands.
- Add the lukewarm water little by little, continuing to knead until the dough becomes smooth, uniform, and pliable.
- Avoid adding all the water at once to prevent the dough from becoming too soft.
- The ideal texture is a firm yet elastic dough that does not stick excessively to your hands.
- If the dough feels too tough, incorporate a tiny drop of water.
- If it is too soft or sticky, add a dusting of extra flour.
- Knead the dough for approximately 10 to 15 minutes to develop the gluten and ensure perfect elasticity.
- Divide the dough into smaller portions and roll each one out on a lightly floured surface until it is paper-thin.
- Cut the rolled dough into your preferred shapes (circles or rectangles) and add your desired filling.
- Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges firmly by pressing with your fingers or the tines of a fork.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot over medium-high heat.
- The oil should be hot, but not smoking.
- Deep-fry the pastéis for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until they turn golden and crispy.
- Remove the pastéis using a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels to absorb excess oil before serving.
Observations
Market-style pastel dough is a cornerstone of Brazilian street food culture, beloved for its unmistakable crispiness and the distinct flavor profile found at traditional open-air market stalls. Preparing this dough from scratch is more straightforward than one might expect and delivers impressive results. It is an excellent choice for those looking to replicate the experience of enjoying a hot, freshly fried pastry, whether at a social gathering, family lunch, or as a special afternoon snack. With accessible ingredients and a simple preparation method, this recipe is suitable for cooks of all experience levels.
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