Brazilian recipe
Easy Baked Savory Turnovers (Pastel assado)
Learn how to make these golden, flaky baked turnovers with a savory ground beef filling. A perfect, comforting snack for gatherings.
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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 beef
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 beef
1 egg yolk for brushing
Where to find ingredients
You can find all-purpose flour, vegetable shortening, and fresh ground beef at local markets and grocery stores on the island. For the guaraná soda, check the international or specialty beverage section of larger supermarkets, as it is a specific Brazilian soft drink that is essential to the authentic recipe.
Preparation method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, vegetable shortening, and salt.
- Gradually pour in the chilled guaraná soda, mixing until a uniform and pliable dough forms; avoid overworking the dough.
- Divide the dough into portions and roll them out into individual disks for assembly.
- Prepare the filling by combining the ground beef with your preferred salt and spices; do not pre-cook the meat.
- Place a portion of the filling on one half of each dough disk and fold to seal, forming the turnovers.
- Arrange the turnovers on a baking sheet.
- Lightly brush the top of each turnover with the egg yolk.
- Place in a preheated oven at high heat (approximately 200°C / 400°F).
- Bake until the turnovers are golden brown and the pastry is cooked through; to test for doneness, insert a toothpick into one—if it comes out clean and the dough is firm, they are ready.
Observations
The pastel assado is a traditional staple of Brazilian cuisine, offering a convenient and flavorful option for any gathering. In contrast to the popular deep-fried version, this oven-baked alternative yields a lighter, non-greasy pastry that maintains a wonderfully tender texture, making it an excellent choice for snacks or as finger food for family get-togethers.
This recipe relies on basic pantry staples and an straightforward preparation method to achieve consistent, crowd-pleasing results. The dough is uniquely enriched with chilled guaraná soda—a classic Brazilian soft drink—which helps create a delicate, airy crumb, while the seasoned ground beef filling provides the signature savory depth.
This recipe relies on basic pantry staples and an straightforward preparation method to achieve consistent, crowd-pleasing results. The dough is uniquely enriched with chilled guaraná soda—a classic Brazilian soft drink—which helps create a delicate, airy crumb, while the seasoned ground beef filling provides the signature savory depth.
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