Pastelitos Recipe: Easy, Authentic, and Delicious Baking Guide

Embarking on a journey to make pastelitos at home brings the delightful taste of Latin American cuisine right into your kitchen. These small, flaky pastries, filled with either sweet or savory ingredients, are a treat you'll find in many Latin American households, and making them yourself can be both rewarding and delicious. Let's dive into how you can prepare authentic pastelitos, ensuring they're as delicious as those from your favorite bakery.

Ingredients for Pastelitos

Before we start baking, gathering all the necessary ingredients is key to a seamless baking experience. Here's what you'll need:

• Dough:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2/3 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/4 cup ice water
• Sweet Filling: Guava paste or dulce de leche
• Savory Filling: Ground beef, garlic, onion, tomato sauce, olives, and optional spices like cumin, oregano
• Egg Wash: 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water, beaten
• Other: Confectioners' sugar for dusting (if making sweet pastelitos)

Step-by-Step Pastelitos Recipe

1. Preparing the Dough

Creating the dough is crucial for the texture and flakiness of pastelitos:

1. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
2. Add the cubed butter and work it into the flour using your fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just starts to come together. Avoid overworking the dough to maintain its flakiness.
4. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Making the Fillings

While the dough chills, you can prepare your fillings:

Sweet Filling:

• If using guava paste, you can simply slice it into flat rectangles to fit inside the pastry. For dulce de leche, spread it evenly onto the pastry.

Savory Filling:

• Sauté chopped onions and garlic, then add ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks.
• Incorporate spices like cumin and oregano, tomato sauce, and sliced olives. Cook until the beef is browned and the flavors meld together.

3. Assembling the Pastelitos

Here’s how to turn your dough and fillings into delectable pastries:

1. On a floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/8-inch thick. Use a cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles or squares.
2. Place a dollop of your chosen filling in the center of one piece of dough.
3. Brush the edges with egg wash, then place another piece of dough on top, sealing the edges with a fork or your fingers.
4. Cut small slits or make a decorative vent on the top of each pastelito to allow steam to escape during baking.
5. Brush the top with more egg wash for a shiny, golden finish.

4. Baking

It's time to bake your pastelitos:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the pastelitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and flaky.

5. Serving

Once baked, let the pastelitos cool slightly before serving:

• Dust sweet pastelitos with powdered sugar.
• Savor the savory ones right away, perhaps with a side of salsa or guacamole for an extra kick.

👩‍🍳 Note: If you want your pastelitos to have a more caramelized edge, consider baking them at a slightly higher temperature for the last few minutes, while keeping a close watch to prevent burning.

In wrapping up this baking adventure, we've not only created a batch of delightful pastelitos, but we've also brought a piece of Latin American tradition into our kitchens. These treats are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a festive gathering or a quiet afternoon with tea or coffee. Remember, the joy of baking pastelitos lies not just in the eating but in the making, as you explore and adapt the fillings to suit your taste or dietary needs. Enjoy your homemade pastries, share them with friends and family, and perhaps continue the tradition of crafting these delightful snacks in your home.

Can I freeze pastelitos?

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Yes, you can freeze pastelitos both before and after baking. To freeze unbaked pastelitos, assemble them completely, then freeze on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. For baked pastelitos, let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before storing in an airtight container.

What other fillings can I use for pastelitos?

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Apart from the traditional fillings, you can experiment with other sweet fillings like different types of fruit pastes or jams, or even chocolate and cream cheese. For savory options, consider using pulled chicken, cheese, or a vegetarian filling with beans and spices.

How do I ensure my pastelitos stay flaky?

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To keep your pastelitos flaky, ensure your butter is cold when making the dough, and refrigerate the dough before rolling it out. Also, avoid overworking the dough, as this can lead to a tougher texture. Lastly, bake them until they are fully cooked, allowing the butter to create those desirable flaky layers.