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pastel venezolano

Making Venezuelan Pastelitos at Home

While making pastelitos at home can be more complex than preparing empanadas, it’s a rewarding process. Here’s a simplified recipe to try:
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Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp butter room temperature
  • 1 whole egg
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • ¾ cup water
  • Frying oil or egg wash for baking
  • For the Filling:
  • Cooked ground beef or shredded chicken
  • Grated cheese such as queso blanco or panela
  • Optional: guava paste for a sweet twist

Instructions
 

  • Combine the flour, salt, butter, eggs, and sugar in a large bowl. Gradually add water and knead until the dough is smooth and soft.
  • Let the dough rest for 1 hour, covered.
  • Roll out the dough thinly and cut it into circles using a cup or cutter.
  • Add filling to one half of each circle, dampen the edges with water, fold, and seal with a fork.
  • For frying: Heat oil in a pan and fry pastelitos until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
  • For baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F, brush pastelitos with egg wash, and bake for 20-25 minutes.