Brazilian recipe
Crispy Homemade Brazilian Fried Pastry (Pastel de Feira)
Learn how to make the authentic Brazilian market-style fried pastry at home! This simple, crispy dough is perfect for satisfying those cravings with your favorite savory or sweet fillings.
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Ingredients
500 g all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
200 ml warm water (approx. 1 cup)
1 tablespoon cachaça or vodka
2 pinches of salt
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
200 ml warm water (approx. 1 cup)
1 tablespoon cachaça or vodka
2 pinches of salt
Where to find ingredients
All-purpose flour, eggs, oil, and salt are standard items found in any local supermarket. For the 'cachaça', this Brazilian sugar cane spirit can usually be found in the international or spirits aisle of well-stocked liquor stores or large supermarkets. If you cannot find it, high-proof vodka is an excellent substitute that serves the same purpose in the dough. Warm water is simply tap water warmed slightly on the stove or in the microwave. Shop for fresh, simple produce at your local farmers market or grocery store to customize your fillings.
Preparation method
- In a large mixing bowl, lightly whisk the eggs together with the oil, cachaça (or vodka), and salt
- Gradually add the flour to the liquid mixture, stirring until incorporated
- Begin kneading the dough by hand
- Slowly add the warm water, continuing to knead until you have a smooth, pliable, and consistent dough
- Be careful not to add too much water at once to avoid making the dough too soft
- The ideal texture is a firm yet elastic dough that doesn't stick excessively to your hands
- If the dough feels too tough, add a tiny splash of water
- If it feels too soft or sticky, add a little extra flour
- Knead the dough vigorously for about 10 to 15 minutes to develop the gluten and ensure that signature elasticity
- Divide the dough into smaller portions and roll each one out on a lightly floured surface until very thin
- Cut the dough into your desired shapes (circles or rectangles) and fill them with your preferred ingredients
- Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges tightly by pressing with your fingertips or the tines of a fork
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer over medium-high heat
- The oil should be hot, but not smoking
- Deep-fry the pastries for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until they are perfectly golden and crispy
- Remove the pastries with a skimmer and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil before serving
Observations
The 'pastel de feira' is an iconic street food in Brazil, beloved for its signature crispy, bubbly texture and the nostalgic taste found at traditional market stalls. Recreating this experience at home is surprisingly straightforward and incredibly rewarding for anyone wanting to enjoy these hot, golden treats. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just looking for a special snack, this no-fuss recipe uses accessible pantry staples and yields a dough that is both easy to handle and perfectly crunchy when fried.
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