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Pasteis Fritos (Fried Turnovers)
Pastry shops frequently use the same fillings (chicken, beef, seafood, vegetables, or cheeses) to make small tartlettes (empadas) which also are served as appetizers. Makes two or more dozen depending on diameter.
Pasteis generally are filled with mixtures of meat, chicken or cheese. They are best served warm immediately after frying.
Pasteis dough:
2/3 cup Butter (or part vegetable shortening)
2 cups Flour, all purpose
1 teaspoon Salt
1 Egg yolk, beaten
3/4 cup Water, cold
Combine the flour and salt in a bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients and most of the water. Mix well with the finger tips, adding a few more drops of water if the dough sees dry. Cover with plastic film and let rest an hour.
In the same family are Risoles, a turnover shaped appetizer made with a cooked dough that is egg or water washed then coated with manioc meal before frying. Risoles are usually filled with cheese, shrimp or hearts of palm mixtures. One advantage is they can be held warm for a longer time than a Pasteis.
Risoles dough:
2 tablespoons Butter
2 cups Milk
1 teaspoon Salt
2 cups Flour, all purpose
Combine the butter, milk, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, remove from the heat, and add the flour. Stir until well combined. Cool completely then knead until smooth. Cover with plastic film and let rest an hour.
Recheio de Carne (meat filling)
1/2 pound Ground beef
1 tablespoon Olive oil
1/2 cup onion, minced
2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped fine
2 tablespoons Tomato sauce
to taste Salt, pepper, pepper sauce
1 egg, hard cooked, chopped
12 Olives, pitted
Cook and cool the meat filling. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough until very thin. Cut 4-inch circles, remove scrap (which may be combined with fresh dough for re-rolling). Brush the circles lightly with water. Place about 1-1/2 teaspoon of filling in the center of each circle. Fold in half and pinch to seal.
Pre-heat oil to 365 degrees Farenheit in a deep fryer or high sided pan. Fry until golden, about two minutes. Drain on absorbent paper and serve warm. They will hold in a 250 degrees Farenheit oven for up to 30 minutes.
© Reuel J. Smith
Note: This information was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the businesses in question before making your plans.