Brazilian recipe
Easy Homemade Baked Pastel (Pastel assado)
A delicious recipe for Brazilian-style baked pastries with a flaky crust and savory ground beef filling, perfect for snacks 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 beef
1 egg yolk 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 beef
1 egg yolk for egg wash
Where to find ingredients
Find all-purpose flour, vegetable shortening, and salt at any local grocery store or supermarket baking aisle. Ground beef and eggs can be sourced from local butchers or the fresh produce and meat section of your neighborhood market. Guaraná soda is a specific Brazilian soft drink which serves as a key ingredient for the texture; if unavailable, a mild, clear lemon-lime soda may be used as a substitute, though it will slightly alter the flavor profile.
Preparation method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, vegetable shortening, and salt.
- Gradually pour in the chilled Guaraná soda, mixing until a uniform and pliable dough forms; avoid over-kneading.
- Divide the dough into portions and roll each out to create discs for the pastries.
- Prepare the filling by mixing the ground beef with salt and your preferred spices; do not pre-cook the meat.
- Place a portion of the filling onto half of each dough disc, fold it over, and seal the edges tightly to form the pastéis.
- Arrange the prepared pastries on a baking sheet.
- Brush the top of each pastel with the beaten egg yolk.
- Place them in an oven preheated to a high heat, approximately 200°C.
- Bake until golden brown and the dough is fully cooked; test by inserting a toothpick into one—if it comes out clean and the dough is set, they are ready to serve.
Observations
The baked pastel is a beloved staple of Brazilian home cooking, offering a practical and savory alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. By baking these in the oven, you achieve a lighter, crisp texture that is consistently satisfying, making them an excellent choice for casual snacks or as a finger food for parties and family get-togethers.
This recipe relies on straightforward ingredients and a simple preparation method. The secret to the dough's signature light and tender crumb is the addition of Guaraná soda, which reacts with the dough to create a delicate structure. When paired with a zesty, seasoned raw ground beef filling, the result is a flavorful treat that is sure to please any crowd.
This recipe relies on straightforward ingredients and a simple preparation method. The secret to the dough's signature light and tender crumb is the addition of Guaraná soda, which reacts with the dough to create a delicate structure. When paired with a zesty, seasoned raw ground beef filling, the result is a flavorful treat that is sure to please any crowd.
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