Brazilian recipe
Easy homemade baked pastel (Pastel assado)
A foolproof recipe for savory baked pastéis, featuring a crisp, light crust and a savory ground beef filling. Perfect for snacks or party platters.
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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 brushing
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 brushing
Where to find ingredients
Find wheat flour, vegetable shortening, and eggs at local supermarkets like Shoprite or Pick n Pay. For the ground beef, visit your preferred local butchery counter or the meat section of any major grocer. Guaraná soda may be sourced from specialty international food stores or selected imported goods aisles; as a substitute, you may use a light, clear lemon-lime soda if absolutely necessary, though the original guaraná is recommended for the authentic flavor profile.
Preparation method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the wheat flour, vegetable shortening, and salt.
- Gradually pour in the chilled guaraná soda and mix until a smooth, cohesive dough forms. Avoid over-kneading.
- Divide the dough into smaller portions and roll each out to create circular discs for assembly.
- Prepare the filling by seasoning the raw ground beef with salt and your preferred herbs and spices. Do not precook the meat.
- Place a portion of the filling on one half of each dough disc and fold over to seal the edges, forming the pastéis.
- Arrange the assembled pastries on a baking tray.
- Brush the tops of each pastel with the beaten egg yolk for a golden finish.
- Place in a preheated oven at a high temperature (approximately 200°C).
- Bake until the crust is golden brown and fully cooked. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into one; if it comes out clean and the dough feels firm, they are ready.
Observations
The baked pastel is a beloved staple of Brazilian home cooking, offering a delightful and convenient option for any time of day. Unlike its deep-fried counterpart, this oven-baked version yields a lighter, non-greasy crust that remains incredibly flavorful, making it an excellent choice for casual snacks or as finger food for family gatherings.
This recipe relies on simple ingredients and a straightforward method to ensure a crowd-pleasing result. The dough features a secret ingredient: guaraná soda, which provides a unique lightness and delicate texture, while the seasoned ground beef filling brings the authentic, savory character that makes these pastries so addictive.
This recipe relies on simple ingredients and a straightforward method to ensure a crowd-pleasing result. The dough features a secret ingredient: guaraná soda, which provides a unique lightness and delicate texture, while the seasoned ground beef filling brings the authentic, savory character that makes these pastries so addictive.
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