Pastelitos Salvadoreños
Crispy, savory turnovers filled with seasoned ground meat and vegetables, often served with curtido and salsa roja. A popular street food and appetizer.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Vegetable shortening
- 1 large Egg
- 1/2 cup Cold water(approximately)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 minced Garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup Tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1/2 tsp Oregano
- to taste Salt and black pepper
- 2 medium Potatoes(boiled and mashed)
- for frying Vegetable oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
For the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Whisk egg with cold water and gradually add to flour mixture, mixing until a dough forms. Knead briefly on a floured surface until smooth. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
- 2
For the filling: In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened. Stir in tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes. Stir in mashed potatoes until well combined. Let the filling cool completely.
- 3
Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin circle (about 6 inches in diameter).
- 4
Place a generous spoonful of filling on one half of each dough circle. Moisten the edges with water and fold the other half over, pressing to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork.
- 5
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the pastelitos in batches until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- 6
Remove pastelitos with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with curtido and salsa roja.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the filling is completely cool before assembling to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the skillet when frying; this will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy pastelitos.
- ✓For a spicier filling, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeño.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Vegetarian filling: Use a mixture of finely chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, potatoes, and corn.
- Cheese filling: Combine shredded cheese (like mozzarella or Monterey Jack) with a bit of corn or finely chopped jalapeño.
- Baked pastelitos: For a lighter version, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.