Hi there! I’m Laurel and todays topic is a Salvadoran Pastelitos recipe. All of you know I love trying new recipes from different places. Lately, I’ve been experimenting with a delicious Salvadoran dishes, and I can’t wait to share my experience with you. If you haven’t tried these tasty little Pastelitos before, you’re in for a real treat.
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Salvadoran Pastelitos are little, stuffed, deep-fried pastries that can be filled with a variety of ingredients. Some common fillings include meat, vegetables, or even sweet fruit. What I love about these pastelitos is how the crispy outside and soft, flavorful filling create an amazing combination that’s perfect for a snack or appetizer.
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When I first came across the Salvadoran Pastelitos recipe in San Jose, I was excited to try it out at home for myself. I’ve always enjoyed cooking and baking, so the idea of making pastries from scratch sounded like a fun challenge. Plus, the recipe allowed me to be creative with the fillings, which meant I could tailor the Pastelitos to suit my own taste preferences and those of my family and friends.
One of the things I enjoyed the most while making Pastelitos was rolling out the dough and filling each pastry by hand. It’s a hands-on process that feels very rewarding when you see the finished product. The golden, crispy Pastelitos look so appetizing when they’re fresh out of the frying pan, and it’s hard to resist eating one right away!
Salvadoran Pastelitos can be enjoyed at any time of the day. I’ve served them as appetizers during dinner parties, and they’re always a big hit. They also make for a perfect snack during the day, whether you’re craving something savory or sweet. Plus, the small size of the pastries makes them perfect for sharing with others, so you can enjoy them with family and friends.
As a cook who has recently made this Salvadoran Pastelitos recipe, I can say with confidence that they’re a delicious and satisfying treat that’s well worth trying. The combination of crispy pastry and flavorful filling is simply irresistible, and the hands-on process of making them is a lot of fun.
So, if you’re looking for a new and exciting recipe to try, don’t hesitate to make Salvadoran Pastelitos. They’re a tasty and versatile treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress your loved ones with these delightful pastries. Happy cooking!
The Complete Recipe with Ingredients and Step by Step Instructions Listed Below
3 Reasons People Love the Salvadoran Pastelitos Recipe
1. Crispy and Flavorful: Locals love Salvadoran Pastelitos recipes because of their deliciously crispy exterior and flavorful fillings. The pastries are deep-fried, which gives them a golden, crunchy texture on the outside, while the inside is filled with tasty ingredients like meat, vegetables, or fruit. This combination of textures and flavors makes the Pastelitos an irresistible treat that’s hard to resist.
2. Fun to Make: Another reason many people enjoy Salvadoran Pastelitos recipe is that they are fun to make. The hands-on process of rolling out the dough, filling the pastries, and frying them is an engaging and enjoyable experience for cooks of all skill levels. Making Pastelitos can be a great activity to do with friends or family, turning the process into a bonding experience while creating a delicious snack.
3. Perfect for Sharing: Finally, Salvadoran Pastelitos recipes are loved because they are perfect for sharing. Their small size makes them an ideal appetizer or snack that can be easily enjoyed by multiple people. This makes Pastelitos a fantastic option for parties, gatherings, or even a simple family meal. Everyone can enjoy the delicious taste of these pastries, and the variety of fillings means there’s something for everyone to love.
How To Make Our Salvadoran Pastelitos Recipe
Ingredients (8 Servings)
2 cups of corn masa (dough)
1/2 cup of vegetable oil
1/2 cup of warm water
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 cup of refried beans
1/2 cup of grated cheese (quesillo)
1/2 cup of cooked and seasoned ground beef
1/4 cup of diced onions
1/4 cup of diced green bell peppers
1/4 cup of diced red bell peppers
1/4 cup of diced tomatoes
2 cloves of minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon of cumin
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the corn masa, vegetable oil, warm water, and salt. Mix until the dough is smooth and easy to handle.
3. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions, and shape each portion into a ball.
4. On a flat surface, place a plastic sheet and flatten the ball with a tortilla press or a rolling pin.
5. Add a tablespoon of refried beans, grated cheese, and seasoned ground beef on one side of the flattened dough.
6. Add some diced onions, green and red bell peppers, tomatoes, minced garlic, cumin, and black pepper on top of the meat.
7. Fold the other side of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
8. Use a fork to press the edges of the dough together to seal the filling inside.
9. Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.
10. Place the Pastelitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
11. Bake the Pastelitos for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
12. Remove the Pastelitos from the oven and let them cool down for a few minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information For the Salvadoran Pastelitos Recipe
Calories: 330
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 26mg
Sodium: 240mg
Potassium: 205mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 1g
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes.
Pots, Pan and Cooking Equipment Needed for the Salvadoran Pastelitos Recipe
Mixing bowl
Tortilla press or rolling pin
Fork
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
What Is the Best way to Store Leftovers for the Salvadoran Pastelitos Recipe containing 8 Servings Ingredients for the Salvadoran Pastelitos Recipe containing 8 Servings and what type of container as well as time to keep:
The best way to store leftovers is to place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. The Pastelitos can be stored for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven or toaster oven until they are warmed through.
Substitutions for Salvadoran Pastelitos Recipe ingredients:
Instead of ground beef, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork.
For a vegetarian version, you can use refried beans, sautéed vegetables, and cheese as the filling.
Best Way to Store Leftovers From the Salvadoran Pastelitos Recipe
You can use store-bought corn masa instead of making it from scratch.
If you don’t have a tortilla press, you can use a flat-bottomed heavy skillet to flatten the dough.
To prevent the filling from spilling out during baking, make sure to seal the edges of the dough tightly.
Substitutions For the Salvadoran Pastelitos Recipe
Curtido (Salvadoran cabbage slaw)
Guacamole
Salsa
Fried plantains
Black beans
How To Serve the Salvadoran Pastelitos Recipe
Serve the Pastelitos hot and crispy from the oven.
You can serve them with a side of Curtido or guacamole for a refreshing contrast.
They also pair well with salsa and black beans for a complete meal.
FAQ About the Salvadoran Pastelitos Recipe
What is the origin of the Salvadoran Pastelitos Recipe?
Answer: The Salvadoran Pastelitos Recipe is a traditional dish from El Salvador, which is a small country in Central America.
Can I make the Salvadoran Pastelitos Recipe ahead of time?
Answer: Yes, you can make the Salvadoran Pastelitos Recipe ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just make sure to keep them covered to prevent them from drying out.
Can I freeze the Salvadoran Pastelitos Recipe?
Answer: Yes, you can freeze the Salvadoran Pastelitos Recipe. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Is the Salvadoran Pastelitos Recipe gluten-free?
Answer: The Salvadoran Pastelitos Recipe is gluten-free if you use gluten-free corn masa (dough). Make sure to check the label of the corn masa to ensure that it is gluten-free.
Can I use different fillings for the Salvadoran Pastelitos Recipe?
Answer: Yes, you can use different fillings for the Salvadoran Pastelitos Recipe, such as chicken, pork, or vegetables. The filling options are endless, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations.
Final Thoughts
My recent experience making a Salvadoran Pastelitos recipe has been a delicious adventure. As a cook who tried this recipe not long ago, I can attest to the amazing taste and fun process of creating these scrumptious pastries. The crispy, flavorful Pastelitos, the hands-on cooking experience, and the perfect size for sharing are just a few reasons why I have fallen in love with this dish.
I encourage anyone looking to try something new and tasty to give my Salvadoran Pastelitos recipe a chance. The delightful combination of textures and flavors will surely impress you and those you share them with. The process of making the pastries is also an enjoyable and rewarding experience that can bring people together in the kitchen.
So, if you’re searching for a unique and mouth-watering treat, look no further than Salvadoran Pastelitos. Dive into the world of these fantastic pastries and discover the joy of cooking and sharing them with your loved ones. Happy cooking and enjoy your Pastelitos!
Salvadoran Pastelitos
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Tortilla press or rolling pin
- Fork
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 2 cups of corn masa dough
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup of warm water
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of refried beans
- 1/2 cup of grated cheese quesillo
- 1/2 cup of cooked and seasoned ground beef
- 1/4 cup of diced onions
- 1/4 cup of diced green bell peppers
- 1/4 cup of diced red bell peppers
- 1/4 cup of diced tomatoes
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the corn masa, vegetable oil, warm water, and salt. Mix until the dough is smooth and easy to handle.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal portions, and shape each portion into a ball.
- On a flat surface, place a plastic sheet and flatten the ball with a tortilla press or a rolling pin.
- Add a tablespoon of refried beans, grated cheese, and seasoned ground beef on one side of the flattened dough.
- Add some diced onions, green and red bell peppers, tomatoes, minced garlic, cumin, and black pepper on top of the meat.
- Fold the other side of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
- Use a fork to press the edges of the dough together to seal the filling inside.
- Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.
- Place the pastelitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the pastelitos for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the pastelitos from the oven and let them cool down for a few minutes before serving.
