Culinary Travel: Pastechis

A family favorite from the Caribbean. This recipe does involve some time, but the time and effort are worth it!  Besides the meat, you may also like to use chunks of cheese in the pastry rounds too! Be sure edges are sealed well, or else they could come apart during frying; especially the cheese!

Ingredients:
Dough:
4 cups of flour
1 Tablespoon of baking powder
1 Tablespoon sugar
2 Tablespoon vegetable shortening
2 Tablespoon margarine
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg beaten
1 cup of water

Put all ingredients into a large bowl except water. Mix well. Add water, a little bit at a time to form dough. When the dough is pliable, knead it well.
Prepare the meat filling as follows:
1 pound finely chopped beef without fat
1 Tablespoon margarine
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 small green sweet pepper, finely chopped
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
2 Tablespoon raisins
1 Tablespoon piccalilli
Hot red pepper, finely chopped, to taste; preferably Madame Jeanette
Soy sauce, freshly ground black pepper, cumin, nutmeg, to taste

Directions:
In large frying pan combine all ingredients except beef. Cook over medium heat, stirring till well combined and onion and celery are soft. Add beef and cook till well combined while stirring.

Roll the dough into a very thick sheet, then cut out circles about three inches in diameter. Place one tablespoon filling in the center of one pastry circle. Top it with a second circle. Lightly moisten edges and press the circles together. Fold or roll the edges over slightly and flute them as pie crust. Fry the pastechis in deep, hot vegetable oil until golden brown. They may be prepared in advance and heated in the oven just before serving.

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. 

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Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com