Brazilian recipe
Crispy Oven-Baked Pastel (Pastel assado)
A traditional Brazilian savory snack, featuring a delicate, crisp crust filled with seasoned ground meat. Perfect for tea time or hosting guests.
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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 spices to taste for the meat
1 egg yolk for egg wash
500 g vegetable shortening
1 tsp salt
290 ml chilled guaraná soda
1 kg ground beef
Salt and spices to taste for the meat
1 egg yolk for egg wash
Where to find ingredients
You can find all-purpose flour, vegetable shortening, and ground beef at local markets or major supermarkets like Carrefour or Imtiaz. Guaraná soda may be available in the imported food aisle of specialty stores; if unavailable, a clear, low-carbonation lemon-lime soda can serve as a substitute, though the authentic flavor profile of a true Pastel assado is best achieved with the original ingredient.
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, cohesive dough forms; do not over-knead.
- Divide the dough into portions and roll them out into thin discs for the pastry shells.
- Prepare the filling by mixing the raw ground beef with salt and your choice of spices.
- Place a spoonful of the raw meat mixture onto one half of each dough disc, then fold and seal the edges firmly to close.
- Arrange the shaped pastries on a baking tray.
- Brush the top of each pastel with the beaten egg yolk for a golden finish.
- Place the tray into a preheated oven at a high temperature (approximately 200°C).
- Bake until the crust is golden brown and the meat is cooked through; test by inserting a toothpick into one pastry—if it comes out clean and the dough is set, they are ready.
Observations
The pastel assado is a staple of Brazilian snack culture, offering a practical and savory treat for any gathering. Unlike the traditional deep-fried version, this oven-baked alternative results in a lighter, non-greasy pastry that remains equally flavorful. It is a fantastic choice for tea time or as a centerpiece for social occasions.
This recipe follows a straightforward method using accessible ingredients to achieve an authentic result. A unique element in the dough is the inclusion of guaraná soda, a common Brazilian soft drink that adds a distinct lightness and texture to the crust, while the raw ground meat filling ensures a rich, flavorful bite once baked.
This recipe follows a straightforward method using accessible ingredients to achieve an authentic result. A unique element in the dough is the inclusion of guaraná soda, a common Brazilian soft drink that adds a distinct lightness and texture to the crust, while the raw ground meat filling ensures a rich, flavorful bite once baked.
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