Embark on a culinary journey to the picturesque Caribbean Netherlands with our mouthwatering Pastechi recipe. Originating from the islands of Bonaire, Saba, and St. Eustatius, Pastechi is a beloved traditional snack enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. These delightful hand-held pastries are filled with a savory combination of meats, cheeses, and spices, encased in a crispy, golden crust. With every bite, you'll experience the rich flavors and vibrant culture of the Caribbean Netherlands. Follow along as we guide you through the steps to create these irresistible Pastechi in your own kitchen, bringing a taste of the tropics to your table.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup cold water
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the filling options: Option 1: Meat filling

• 1 cup cooked shredded chicken or beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Option 2: Cheese filling

• 1 cup grated Gouda cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Edam cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup diced ham (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• Salt and pepper to taste

Option 3: Seafood filling

• 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
• 1/2 cup cooked crab meat, shredded
• 1/4 cup diced bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the dough:

1- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

2- Gradually add the cold water, mixing until a smooth dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

While the dough is chilling, prepare your desired filling:

1- For the meat filling: In a skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper, and sauté until softened. Add the cooked shredded meat, tomato paste, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few minutes until well combined. Remove from heat and let it cool.

2- For the cheese filling: In a bowl, mix together all the grated cheeses, diced ham (if using), chopped green onions, salt, and pepper until evenly combined.

3- For the seafood filling: In a bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, shredded crab meat, diced bell pepper, chopped cilantro, lime juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.

1- Once the dough has chilled, divide it into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Roll out each ball into a circle, about 1/8 inch thick.

2- Place a spoonful of your chosen filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, then use a fork to crimp the edges and seal the pastechi.

3- In a deep skillet or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the pastechi in the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

4- Serve the Caribbean Netherlands Pastechi hot or at room temperature, with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them on their own as a delicious snack or appetizer. Enjoy the burst of flavors from the savory fillings enveloped in the crispy, golden crust of these irresistible pastries!

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Caribbean Netherlands Pastechi recipe:

All-purpose flour (2 cups):

• Calories: 880
• Carbohydrates: 184g
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 8g

benefits:Provides carbohydrates for energy and serves as the base for the dough.

Baking powder (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 5
• Carbohydrates: 1.3g

benefits: Acts as a leavening agent to help the dough rise and become light and fluffy.

Salt (1/2 teaspoon):

• Negligible caloric value

benefits: Enhances flavor and helps to balance the taste of the other ingredients.

Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons):

• Calories: 408
• Fat: 46g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0.5g

benefits: Adds richness and flavor to the dough.

Cold water (1/2 cup):

• Negligible caloric value

benefits: Helps bind the dough ingredients together and facilitates dough formation.

Vegetable oil for frying:

• Calories: Approximately 120 per tablespoon

benefits: Used for frying the Pastechi, providing a crispy exterior.

Cooked shredded chicken or beef (1 cup):

Chicken:

• Calories: 335
• Protein: 40g
• Fat: 18g

Beef:

• Nutritional values vary based on the cut and fat content.

benefits:Adds protein and flavor to the Pastechi filling, making it more satisfying.

Onion, garlic, bell pepper, tomato paste, cumin, salt, and pepper:

• Negligible caloric value

benefits:Contribute to the savory flavor profile of the meat filling.

Grated Gouda cheese (1 cup):

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 36g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

Grated Edam cheese (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 9g
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 110
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 2g

benefits: Provide calcium and protein while adding richness and depth of flavor to the cheese filling.

Diced ham (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 70
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 3.5g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:Adds extra flavor and protein to the cheese filling (optional).

Chopped green onions:

• Negligible caloric value

benefits: Enhances the flavor of the cheese filling with a fresh and mild onion flavor.

Cooked shrimp (1 cup):

• Calories: 230
• Protein: 45g
• Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

Cooked crab meat (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 100
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits: Adds protein and a delicious seafood flavor to the Pastechi filling.

Diced bell pepper, chopped fresh cilantro, lime juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper:

• Negligible caloric value

benefits: Contribute to the vibrant and zesty flavor profile of the seafood filling.

These values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and ingredients used.