Brazilian recipe
Golden Baked Savoury Pastry Parcels (Pastel assado)
A traditional Brazilian oven-baked pastry with a crisp, light crust and savoury minced meat filling—perfect for gatherings or a satisfying snack.
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Ingredients
1 kg all-purpose flour
500 g vegetable shortening
1 tsp salt
290 ml chilled guaraná soda
1 kg beef mince
Salt and seasonings of choice to taste for the mince
1 egg yolk for egg wash
500 g vegetable shortening
1 tsp salt
290 ml chilled guaraná soda
1 kg beef mince
Salt and seasonings of choice to taste for the mince
1 egg yolk for egg wash
Where to find ingredients
All ingredients are readily available at standard New Zealand supermarkets. You can find high-quality beef mince in the fresh meat aisle. Vegetable shortening is located in the baking section. Guaraná soda can typically be sourced at specialty Latin American grocers or international food sections in larger supermarkets; as a substitute, a clear lemonade can be used, though the distinct flavour of guaraná is ideal for the authentic recipe.
Preparation method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, vegetable shortening, and salt.
- Gradually pour in the chilled guaraná soda and mix until a smooth, cohesive dough forms; take care not to overwork it.
- Divide the dough into smaller portions and roll each out to form thin discs.
- Prepare the filling by combining the raw beef mince with salt and your choice of herbs and spices; do not pre-cook the meat.
- Place a portion of the meat filling on one half of each dough disc and fold over to seal, pressing the edges to form the pastries.
- Arrange the assembled pastries on a baking tray.
- Brush the tops of each pastry with the beaten egg yolk for a golden finish.
- Place in an oven preheated to a high heat, approximately 200°C.
- Bake until the pastries are beautifully golden and the pastry is cooked through; to test, insert a toothpick into the centre—if it comes out clean and the dough feels firm, they are ready.
Observations
The 'pastel assado' is a staple of Brazilian snack culture, offering a practical and crowd-pleasing alternative to the deep-fried variety. By baking these pastries in the oven, you achieve a lighter, drier texture that remains tender and flavourful. It is a go-to choice for casual entertaining or as a comforting afternoon snack.
This recipe relies on basic pantry staples and a straightforward assembly method. The secret to the dough’s light and supple texture is the inclusion of guaraná soda, which provides a subtle lift, while the seasoned minced meat filling delivers the authentic savoury punch that makes this dish so iconic.
This recipe relies on basic pantry staples and a straightforward assembly method. The secret to the dough’s light and supple texture is the inclusion of guaraná soda, which provides a subtle lift, while the seasoned minced meat filling delivers the authentic savoury punch that makes this dish so iconic.
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