Brazilian recipe
Classic Calabresa and Cheese Pastel Filling
Learn how to make a classic, savory calabresa sausage and cheese filling for pastéis—a quick and much-loved Brazilian comfort food snack.
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Ingredients
300g grated calabresa sausage
1 small onion, finely diced
250g mozzarella cheese, grated or in small cubes
dried oregano to taste
1 small onion, finely diced
250g mozzarella cheese, grated or in small cubes
dried oregano to taste
Where to find ingredients
Calabresa sausage is a distinct Brazilian smoked pork sausage. You can find it at Latin American grocery stores, specialty international markets, or through online retailers specializing in Brazilian or Portuguese goods. Look for it in the deli or refrigerated meat section. If unavailable, a high-quality, fully cooked smoked kielbasa or a spicy chorizo (not the soft Mexican variety) can work as a substitute, though the flavor profile will differ slightly. Mozzarella and onion are standard items found in any local supermarket produce and dairy sections.
Preparation method
- Place the grated calabresa sausage and diced onion in a frying pan
- Sauté the ingredients over medium heat until the onion softens and the sausage begins to brown slightly
- Drain any excess fat that has rendered from the sausage in the pan
- Transfer the mixture into a bowl and stir in the mozzarella
- Sprinkle the oregano over the filling and mix everything together thoroughly
- Let the filling cool down completely before assembling your pastéis to keep the cheese from melting prematurely
Observations
This filling perfectly balances the smoky, savory notes of calabresa sausage with the indulgent creaminess of melted cheese. The trick is to let the mixture cool down before filling your pastry dough; this prevents the cheese from melting too early, ensuring that perfect, gooey texture once the pastel hits the fryer.
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