Brazilian recipe
Easy Baked Savory Pastry (Pastel assado)
Learn how to make a crisp yet tender oven-baked pastry filled with savory ground meat. A classic, satisfying snack perfect 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 meat
1 egg yolk, beaten (for egg wash)
500 g vegetable shortening
1 tsp salt
290 ml chilled guaraná soda
1 kg ground beef
Salt and seasonings to taste for the meat
1 egg yolk, beaten (for egg wash)
Where to find ingredients
You can find these staples at any major supermarket or local wet market (palengke). The guaraná soda is a specific Brazilian soft drink; if unavailable, you may use a neutral, clear carbonated soda as a substitute, though the original flavor is ideal.
Preparation method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, vegetable shortening, and salt.
- Gradually pour in the chilled guaraná soda, mixing until a smooth dough forms and holds together. Avoid over-kneading.
- Divide the dough into portions and roll each out to create thin, round discs for the pastries.
- Prepare the filling by mixing the ground beef with salt and your preferred seasonings. Do not pre-cook the meat.
- Place a portion of the filling on one half of each dough disc, then fold and seal the edges to form the pastries.
- Arrange the shaped pastries on a baking sheet.
- Brush the tops of each pastry with the beaten egg yolk.
- Place in an oven preheated to high heat (approximately 200°C).
- Bake until the crust is golden brown and the filling is cooked through. Test by inserting a toothpick into one; if it comes out clean and the dough is cooked, they are ready.
Observations
The pastel assado is a staple of Brazilian snack culture, offering a practical and delicious choice for any time of day. Unlike the traditional deep-fried variety, this oven-baked version yields a lighter, non-greasy crust that remains incredibly flavorful, making it an excellent finger food for family get-togethers or parties.
This recipe follows a straightforward method using accessible ingredients to ensure perfect results for every home cook. The dough is uniquely enriched with guaraná soda—a regional touch that adds both lightness and a delicate crumb—while the seasoned raw ground meat filling cooks perfectly inside the pastry during baking.
This recipe follows a straightforward method using accessible ingredients to ensure perfect results for every home cook. The dough is uniquely enriched with guaraná soda—a regional touch that adds both lightness and a delicate crumb—while the seasoned raw ground meat filling cooks perfectly inside the pastry during baking.
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