We can't talk about Brazilian street food without mentioning pastel, a golden, crispy delight filled with irresistible flavors.

If you've ever visited Brazil, you've probably encountered this treat at the bustling feira (farmer's market), pastelarias, or even beachside kiosks. Pastel is not just food; it's an experience, and every bite takes us back to the vibrant streets of Brazil.

The Dough: A Crunchy Secret

The key to a perfect pastel lies in its dough. We use a simple combination of flour, salt, water, oil, vinegar, and cachaça (a Brazilian spirit). While the cachaça might sound surprising, it's the secret to achieving a light and incredibly crispy texture. Don't worry—the alcohol evaporates during frying, making it completely family-friendly.

We knead the dough until smooth, ensuring it's easy to roll out paper-thin. This step is crucial for achieving the iconic crunch that makes pastel so special. For those of us short on time, store-bought empanada dough or wonton wrappers can be a handy alternative, though nothing beats homemade!

Brazilian Pastel Recipe (Empanadas) | How To Make Brazilian Pastel | Yum Lounge (English)

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Three Fillings to Try

We've selected three classic fillings to showcase the versatility of pastel:

1. Cheese: A gooey, melty filling that's a crowd-pleaser every time.

2. Creamy Hearts of Palm: This savory option is uniquely Brazilian, offering a rich and satisfying flavor.

3. Meat: Perfectly seasoned and hearty, this filling is a favorite at any gathering.

Of course, the beauty of pastel is that we can customize it to suit our preferences. From savory to sweet, there's no limit to the combinations we can create.

How to Make It at Home

Making pastel at home is easier than we imagined. We begin by preparing the dough, kneading it until it's smooth and pliable. After letting it rest, we roll it out thinly, fill it with our chosen ingredients, and seal it tightly. The final step is frying the pastel until golden and crispy.

The result? A batch of delicious pastéis (plural for pastel) that taste just as good as the ones from the streets of Brazil!

Serving and Pairing

We love serving pastel as a snack or appetizer, paired with freshly pressed sugarcane juice for a truly authentic experience. The crispy exterior and flavorful filling make it a hit with everyone at the table.

Why not try making these delightful Brazilian treats at home? With just a few ingredients and a little effort, we can recreate the magic of pastel and enjoy a taste of Brazil wherever we are.