Pasteis de Carne

Pasteis de Carne Recipe - Caribbean Cuisine

Region / culture: Caribbean | Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 24

Introduction

Pasteis de Carne are delicious Portuguese meat pastries that are perfect for any occasion. These savory pastries are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, onions, tomatoes, and a variety of other tasty ingredients. They are then deep-fried until golden and crispy, creating a mouthwatering treat that is sure to please any crowd.

History

Pasteis de Carne have been a popular dish in Portugal for many years. They are often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer, and are commonly found in cafes and bakeries throughout the country. The recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to the traditional dish.

Ingredients

Pastry

3 cups flour
1 tsp salt
10 tbsp shortening, melted and cooled
0.5 cup milk, mixed with
0.5 cup hot water

Filling

2 tbsp oil
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, smashed
2 tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped
1 lb (454 g) ground beef
0.5 tsp salt
2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
0.5 cup mozzarella cheese, chopped
8 green olives, chopped
oil (for deep frying)

How to prepare

To prepare the pastry, sift the flour and salt into a bowl.
Add the melted shortening and warm milk and water.
Mix until a smooth dough forms and cut into 2 pieces.
To prepare the filling, heat the oil in a frying pan, add the onion and garlic, and fry for 5 minutes until soft and golden.
Add the tomatoes, ground beef, and salt.
Simmer for 20 minutes until almost dry.
Remove from the heat.
Add the chopped parsley, egg, cheese, and mix well.
To assemble pastries, roll out the pastry on a floured board to a thickness of 0.13 inches.
Cut 12 circles with a diameter of 4 inches from each piece, resulting in 24 circles in total.
Place 1 tbsp of filling on each circle and moisten the edges with warm water.
Fold over and seal the edges firmly.
Deep fry in preheated oil at 375°F for 4 to 5 minutes until golden and crisp.
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on absorbent paper towels.
The pastries are also delicious when served cold and make a great addition to picnics.
They can also be made without the ground beef.
For a variation, you can replace the ground beef with finely chopped ham, chopped chicken, or shrimp.

Variations

Replace the ground beef with finely chopped ham, chicken, or shrimp for a different flavor.
Add different herbs and spices to the filling for a unique twist on the traditional recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to seal the edges of the pastries firmly to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying.

- Be sure to fry the pastries in hot oil to ensure that they become crispy and golden brown.

- You can also bake the pastries in the oven for a healthier alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Pasteis de Carne hot as a snack or appetizer, accompanied by a side salad or dipping sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Deep fry the pastries in hot oil until golden and crispy.

- Bake the pastries in the oven for a healthier alternative.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable shortening or butter instead of shortening.

- Use any type of cheese or olives that you prefer in the filling.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling and pastry dough ahead of time and assemble the pastries just before frying.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Pasteis de Carne on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs or lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Pasteis de Carne with a glass of Portuguese red wine or a refreshing beer for a delicious combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Pasteis de Carne in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Pasteis de Carne contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Pasteis de Carne contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Pasteis de Carne contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Pasteis de Carne contains approximately 12 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Pasteis de Carne are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

Pasteis de Carne contain gluten, dairy, and eggs.

Summary

Pasteis de Carne are a delicious and satisfying snack that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious choice for any meal.

Summary

Pasteis de Carne are a delicious and traditional Portuguese meat pastry that is perfect for any occasion. With a flavorful filling and crispy pastry shell, these pastries are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy them hot or cold, as a snack or appetizer, and savor the rich flavors of this classic dish.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Pasteis de Carne. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was known for her exquisite culinary skills, and I always looked forward to our cooking sessions together.

As we were sipping on some freshly brewed coffee, Maria suddenly exclaimed, "I have a special recipe to share with you today, my dear friend. It's a family recipe for Pasteis de Carne, a traditional Brazilian dish that has been passed down through generations."

I was intrigued and excited to learn something new, especially from Maria, who was a culinary genius in my eyes. She handed me a tattered old cookbook that belonged to her grandmother and said, "This recipe is a treasure, and I hope you will cherish it as much as I do."

I eagerly flipped through the pages of the cookbook, marveling at the handwritten notes and smudged ink. The recipe for Pasteis de Carne was written in a neat script, with detailed instructions on how to make the savory pastry filled with seasoned ground beef and onions.

Maria guided me through the process, showing me how to prepare the dough, shape the pastries, and fry them to golden perfection. The aroma that filled her kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

Finally, the Pasteis de Carne were ready, and Maria served them piping hot on a platter. The crispy pastry shell gave way to a flavorful filling that was a perfect balance of spices and savory goodness. I savored each bite, feeling grateful for the opportunity to learn such a wonderful recipe from my dear friend.

From that day on, Pasteis de Carne became a staple in my own kitchen. I would make them for special occasions, family gatherings, or simply when I wanted to treat myself to a taste of Brazil.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own twist with different seasonings and fillings. Each time I make Pasteis de Carne, I am reminded of that special day in Maria's kitchen, where I learned not just a recipe, but a piece of culinary history.

I have since shared the recipe with my own family and friends, passing on the tradition of making Pasteis de Carne to the next generation. It brings me joy to see others enjoy this delicious dish and appreciate the rich cultural heritage that it represents.

As I continue to cook and experiment with new recipes, Pasteis de Carne will always hold a special place in my heart. It is a reminder of the bonds we share through food, the memories we create in the kitchen, and the joy that comes from sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.

I am grateful for the moments spent with Maria, for her generosity in sharing her family recipe, and for the culinary journey that has brought me to where I am today. Pasteis de Carne will forever be a part of my culinary repertoire, a token of friendship and tradition that I will cherish for years to come.