Brazilian recipe
Baked Savory Pastry (Pastel assado)
A traditional Brazilian oven-baked pastry with a crispy exterior and tender crumb, filled with savory ground beef. Perfect for casual snacks and 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 seasonings at local supermarkets or general provision stores in Port Moresby or provincial centers. For the 'guaraná soda', look for imported Brazilian specialty items or Latin American sections in high-end grocery stores; if unavailable, a light, citrus-based carbonated beverage can be used as a substitute, though it will alter the original flavor profile.
Preparation method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, vegetable shortening, and salt.
- Gradually add the chilled guaraná soda, mixing until a smooth, cohesive dough forms. Avoid over-kneading.
- Divide the dough into portions, roll each out, and cut into discs to assemble the pastries.
- Prepare the filling by mixing the raw ground beef with salt and your preferred seasonings. Do not pre-cook the beef.
- Place a portion of the filling on one half of each dough disc and fold it over to seal, forming the pastries.
- Arrange the pastries on a baking sheet.
- Brush the surface of each pastry with the egg yolk.
- Place in an oven preheated to high heat (approximately 200°C).
- Bake until the pastries are golden brown and the dough is fully cooked. To check 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 staple in Brazilian kitchens, offering a practical and delightful alternative to the popular deep-fried version. By baking the dough in the oven, you achieve a lighter, drier finish that is just as flavorful, making it an excellent choice for snacks or as finger food during social events.
This recipe relies on simple, accessible ingredients and a straightforward method to ensure a consistently delicious result. The dough is uniquely enriched with guaraná soda, which provides a distinct texture, contributing to the pastry's characteristic lightness and softness, while the seasoned ground beef filling offers a classic, hearty flavor profile.
This recipe relies on simple, accessible ingredients and a straightforward method to ensure a consistently delicious result. The dough is uniquely enriched with guaraná soda, which provides a distinct texture, contributing to the pastry's characteristic lightness and softness, while the seasoned ground beef filling offers a classic, hearty flavor profile.
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