Brazilian recipe
Crispy Oven-Baked Pastries (Pastel assado)
A delightful recipe for oven-baked pastry with a golden, crisp exterior and a tender filling of seasoned ground meat. Perfect for teatime or gatherings.
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Ingredients
1 kg all-purpose wheat 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 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 meat
1 egg yolk for brushing
Where to find ingredients
Find wheat flour, vegetable shortening, and seasonings at local supermarkets like FairPrice or Cold Storage. For the authentic Brazilian touch, look for cans of guaraná soda in the international aisle or specialized gourmet grocers. If guaraná soda is unavailable, a light, clear lemon-lime soda can be used as a substitute, though the flavor profile will vary.
Preparation method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the wheat 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 smaller portions and roll them out to create individual circular discs.
- Prepare the meat filling by seasoning the ground beef with salt and your preferred spices. Note that the meat should remain raw at this stage.
- Place a portion of the filling on one half of each disc and fold over, sealing the edges firmly to form the pastries.
- Arrange the pastries on a baking tray.
- Brush the top surface of each pastry with the beaten egg yolk.
- Place in a preheated oven set to high heat (approximately 200°C).
- Bake until the pastries are golden brown and the dough is fully cooked through. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into one; 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 savory and convenient option for any occasion. Unlike the deep-fried version, this oven-baked alternative results in a lighter, less greasy texture while remaining deeply satisfying. It is a popular choice for light meals or as a finger food at family gatherings and parties.
This recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients and an accessible preparation method to achieve consistent results. A unique touch in the dough is the inclusion of guaraná soda, a soft drink that adds a distinct lift and tenderness to the pastry, while the raw ground meat filling ensures maximum flavor as it cooks within the sealed dough pockets.
This recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients and an accessible preparation method to achieve consistent results. A unique touch in the dough is the inclusion of guaraná soda, a soft drink that adds a distinct lift and tenderness to the pastry, while the raw ground meat filling ensures maximum flavor as it cooks within the sealed dough pockets.
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