Step into the vibrant world of Argentine cuisine as we embark on a journey to recreate the beloved traditional treat—Pastelitos. These delightful pastries are a testament to Argentina's rich culinary heritage, blending European influences with South American flair. With layers of flaky pastry and sweet fillings, Argentine Pastelitos are a true indulgence for your taste buds. Join me in the kitchen as we unravel the secrets behind crafting these delectable pastries that have been enchanting generations in Argentina. Get ready to savor a taste of tradition and bring the essence of Argentine patisseries into your own home with this authentic Pastelitos recipe.

Ingredients:

• 2 sheets of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup quince paste (membrillo), diced into small cubes
• 1 cup sweet potato jam or dulce de batata
• 1 cup of grated coconut
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

Prepare the Filling:

1- In a bowl, combine the diced quince paste and sweet potato jam. Mix well to create a sweet and fruity filling.

Roll Out the Puff Pastry:

1- If using store-bought puff pastry, roll out the sheets on a lightly floured surface. If making it from scratch, follow your favorite puff pastry recipe.

Cut and Fill:

1- Cut the rolled-out pastry into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference for pastelito size.

2- Place a spoonful of the quince paste and sweet potato jam mixture in the center of each pastry piece. Sprinkle a pinch of grated coconut and a dash of ground cinnamon on top.

Seal and Shape:

1- Fold the pastry over the filling to create a triangle or rectangle shape, depending on the pastry shape you've chosen.

2- Use a fork to press down and seal the edges of the pastry.

Fry to Perfection:

1- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).

2- Carefully place the sealed pastelitos into the hot oil and fry until they turn golden brown on both sides. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side.

Drain and Cool:

1- Once fried to perfection, remove the pastelitos from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

2- Allow the pastelitos to cool slightly before moving on to the next step.

Dust with Powdered Sugar:

1- Sprinkle the warm pastelitos with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Serve and Enjoy:

1- Serve these delightful Argentinian pastelitos with a cup of mate or your favorite hot beverage. Enjoy the flaky layers, sweet fillings, and the cultural richness of Argentina in every bite!

Nutritional Values

let's break down the nutritional values for the main ingredients in the Argentinian Pastelitos recipe:

Puff Pastry (2 sheets):

• Calories: Approximately 1600 kcal
• Fat: 104g
• Carbohydrates: 144g
• Protein: 16g

benefits:A source of carbohydrates and fats, providing energy. However, it's essential to consume it in moderation due to its high-fat content.

Quince Paste (1 cup):

• Calories: Approximately 300 kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 80g
• Protein: 0g

benefits: Quince is rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. It can contribute to digestive health and provide immune system support.

Sweet Potato Jam or Dulce de Batata (1 cup):

• Calories: Approximately 400 kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 100g
• Protein: 0g

benefits: Sweet potatoes are a nutritious source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They contain beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body, supporting vision and immune function.

Grated Coconut (1 cup):

• Calories: Approximately 470 kcal
• Fat: 48g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 5g

benefits: Coconut is a good source of healthy fats, providing medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that may offer various health benefits. It also adds flavor and texture to the pastelitos.

Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: Approximately 6 kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 0g

benefits: Cinnamon has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It may help regulate blood sugar levels, improve heart health, and add a warm, aromatic flavor to the pastelitos.

Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup):

• Calories: Approximately 380 kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 96g
• Protein: 0g

benefits: While powdered sugar is primarily used for sweetness and decoration, it provides a quick source of energy. However, it's high in calories and should be consumed in moderation.

Vegetable Oil for Frying:

• Calories: Approximately 1920 kcal
• Fat: 224g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:Vegetable oil provides the necessary fat for frying. Using oils with unsaturated fats, like canola or olive oil, can contribute to a healthier balance of fats in the diet.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods. Additionally, the nutritional values provided are for the entire batch of pastelitos, so if you want to know the values per serving, you may need to divide these numbers by the number of pastelitos you make.