Pastelitos

Authentic Cuban Pastelitos Recipe with Puff Pastry and Cream Cheese Filling

Region / culture: Cuba | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20-30 minutes | Servings: 9

Introduction

Pastelitos are delicious and flaky pastries that can be filled with a variety of sweet or savory ingredients. These tasty treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack any time of day.

History

Pastelitos have their origins in Latin American and Caribbean cuisine, where they are a popular snack or dessert. The name "pastelitos" translates to "little pastries" in Spanish, and they are often enjoyed during special occasions or celebrations.

Ingredients

Fillings

How to prepare

Pastelitos

If using commercial puff pastry sheets, cut them into thirds lengthwise, and then again crosswise to create 9 equal-sized pieces.
Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of each square.
Fold the puff pastry diagonally to form triangles and seal the edges with a fork. Note: handle the pastry sheets minimally to ensure maximum puffiness.
Arrange the pastries on a cookie sheet, leaving enough space between each to prevent them from touching while they puff up during baking.
Using a pastry brush, brush the tops of the pastries with simple syrup.
Bake on the middle rack of the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 20 – 30 minutes, or until they turn golden and become flaky.

Fillings

Almost any ingredient can be used as a filling, whether sweet or savory.

Variations

Try filling pastelitos with different types of fruit preserves, such as guava or pineapple.
Experiment with savory fillings like ham and cheese, spinach and feta, or chicken and vegetables.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Handle the puff pastry sheets minimally to ensure maximum puffiness.

- Leave enough space between each pastelito on the cookie sheet to prevent them from touching while baking.

- Brushing the pastries with simple syrup before baking adds a sweet glaze and helps them turn golden and flaky.

Serving Suggestions

Serve pastelitos warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or snack.

Cooking Techniques

Bake the pastelitos in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) until they are golden and flaky, about 20-30 minutes.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have puff pastry sheets, you can use pie crust dough or crescent roll dough as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can assemble the pastelitos ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Brush with simple syrup just before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve pastelitos on a decorative platter with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of icing for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy pastelitos with a glass of sparkling wine or a fruity cocktail for a special treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover pastelitos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes until warm and crispy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each pastelito contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the filling and size of the pastry.

Carbohydrates

Each pastelito contains approximately 15-20 grams of carbohydrates, depending on the filling and size of the pastry.

Fats

The puff pastry used in pastelitos is typically high in fat, with each pastry containing around 10-15 grams of fat.

Proteins

The protein content of pastelitos varies depending on the filling used, but on average, each pastry contains around 2-4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Pastelitos do not provide significant amounts of essential vitamins and minerals, as they are primarily a treat rather than a nutrient-dense food.

Alergens

Pastelitos may contain allergens such as dairy (cream cheese), nuts (in some fillings), and gluten (in the puff pastry). Be sure to check ingredients carefully if you have food allergies.

Summary

Pastelitos are a delicious but indulgent treat that should be enjoyed in moderation due to their high fat and calorie content.

Summary

Pastelitos are a delightful pastry filled with sweet or savory ingredients, perfect for any time of day. Experiment with different fillings and enjoy these flaky treats with your favorite beverage.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. She had just returned from a trip to her hometown in Cuba, and she was excited to share with me a recipe she had learned from her grandmother.

Maria pulled out a handwritten recipe card from a worn recipe box and began to gather the ingredients for Pastelitos. As she explained the steps to me, I could see the passion and love she had for this traditional Cuban dish.

I watched in awe as Maria skillfully rolled out the dough, filled it with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, olives, and raisins, and then carefully folded and crimped the edges to form the signature half-moon shape of the pastelitos.

As the pastelitos baked in the oven, the aroma of the savory filling and flaky dough filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. When they were golden brown and crispy, Maria pulled them out of the oven and placed them on a platter to cool.

I eagerly took a bite of the warm pastelito, savoring the flavorful combination of the seasoned beef, briny olives, and sweet raisins. The crispy, flaky dough melted in my mouth, and I knew that I had just discovered a new favorite dish.

Over the years, I have made Pastelitos countless times, each time adding my own twist to the filling or experimenting with different types of dough. I have shared this recipe with friends and family, passing down the tradition of making Pastelitos from generation to generation.

One of my fondest memories of making Pastelitos was when my granddaughter, Emma, came to visit me for the summer. She had always been curious about my cooking and was eager to learn how to make some of my favorite recipes.

I decided to teach Emma how to make Pastelitos, knowing that she would appreciate the history and tradition behind this beloved dish. As we worked together in the kitchen, I shared with her the story of how I learned to make Pastelitos from my dear friend Maria and how the recipe had been passed down through generations in her family.

Emma listened intently as I showed her how to roll out the dough, fill it with the savory beef mixture, and fold and crimp the edges to seal in the filling. She carefully watched as I demonstrated each step, eager to learn and eager to taste the final result.

When the pastelitos came out of the oven, golden brown and crispy, Emma's eyes lit up with excitement. She eagerly took a bite, savoring the flavors of the seasoned beef, olives, and raisins. A smile spread across her face, and I knew that she had fallen in love with Pastelitos just like I had so many years ago.

As Emma grew older, she continued to make Pastelitos, sharing the recipe with her friends and even creating her own variations on the traditional dish. I was proud to see her carrying on the tradition of making Pastelitos and passing down the recipe to future generations.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar scents of garlic, onions, and spices, I can't help but smile as I think of all the memories and traditions that are tied to this simple yet delicious dish. Pastelitos will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the love, laughter, and joy that comes from sharing a meal with those we care about. And I am grateful for the opportunity to pass down this recipe to my granddaughter, ensuring that the tradition of making Pastelitos will live on for years to come.