Puerto Rican pastillos, a savory pastry filled with seasoned meat and, at times, other ingredients like cheese or vegetables, hold a dear place in the heart of Puerto Rican cuisine. These delightful morsels showcase a blend of traditional flavors and techniques. Here’s how you can embark on creating these iconic pastries right at home.
Step 1: Making the Dough
To kickstart your pastillos journey, you’ll need a solid dough foundation.
Ingredients for Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄2 cup shortening or lard
- 1⁄2 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Instructions:
- Sift together the flour and salt into a large bowl.
- Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Create a well in the center and pour in the vinegar and water, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Once mixed, cover the dough and let it rest for about 30 minutes at room temperature.
👩🍳 Note: Shortening can be substituted with lard or butter, but note that butter will change the texture and flavor.
Step 2: Crafting the Filling
The heart of the pastillos is the filling, offering an explosion of flavors within a delicate crust.
Ingredients for Filling:
- 1 lb. ground beef or pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1⁄4 cup green olives, pitted and chopped
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 1⁄4 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons sofrito
- 1 packet sazón
- 1⁄2 teaspoon adobo
- 1⁄2 teaspoon oregano
- 1⁄4 cup water
Instructions:
- Over medium heat, sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until soft.
- Add the meat, cooking until browned.
- Season with sazón, adobo, and oregano, then stir in the sofrito, tomato sauce, olives, and capers.
- Simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Let cool before filling the dough.
🍅 Note: Sofrito is a base of various aromatics like peppers, onions, garlic, cilantro, and tomatoes. If unavailable, you can blend these fresh ingredients yourself.
Step 3: Assembling and Cooking the Pastillos
Now, you’re ready to turn the dough and filling into pastillos with a flawless bake or fry.
Steps:
- Roll out the dough to a thickness of around 1⁄8-inch, then cut into 4-inch squares or circles.
- Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each piece.
- Fold the dough over to form a triangle or half-moon, then press the edges with a fork to seal or crimp if making empanada-style pastillos.
⚠️ Note: Ensure the edges are well-sealed to prevent leakage during cooking.
Cooking Methods:
- Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay pastillos on a baking sheet lined with parchment, brush with egg wash, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Frying: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or skillet. Fry pastillos until they are golden brown, turning as needed, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
🍳 Note: Baking results in a lighter, flakier pastillo, while frying gives them a crispy, rich exterior.
Creating perfect pastillos isn’t just about the process but also the flavors and traditions they carry. Whether you opt for a bake or a fry, the texture and taste of these Puerto Rican delights will surely transport you to the vibrant streets of Puerto Rico. Remember, the essence of these pastries is in the tender crust and the richly seasoned filling, a reflection of the island's diverse culinary heritage.
Can I use different fillings for my pastillos?
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Yes, you can experiment with various fillings like chicken, seafood, or even vegetarian options like roasted vegetables, beans, or cheese alone. Traditional ingredients often include potatoes, sweet plantains, or guava paste with cream cheese.
How do I store uncooked pastillos?
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Uncooked pastillos can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, lay them on a baking sheet, not touching, and once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw before cooking or cook them from frozen by extending baking or frying time slightly.
What’s the best way to reheat pastillos?
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The best way to reheat pastillos is in an oven or toaster oven to preserve the crispiness. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat the pastillos for about 10 minutes or until they’re warm and crispy again. Microwaving can make the pastry soggy.
