Pasta Frola, a beloved dessert originating from Argentina and Uruguay, features a buttery shortcrust pastry filled with sweet jam, often quince or dulce de membrillo. With roots in Spanish and Italian cuisine, this delightful treat has evolved into a staple in South American baking. Its simplicity and versatility make it a cherished dessert for gatherings and afternoon tea. Discover the rich history and timeless taste of Pasta Frola with our authentic recipe.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1/2 cup granulated sugar

- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

- 1 egg

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1 cup jam (quince or preferred flavor)

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a tart pan.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3. Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

4. In a small bowl, beat the egg with the vanilla extract. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and stir until the dough comes together.

5. Press two-thirds of the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared tart pan.

6. Spread the jam evenly over the dough in the tart pan.

7. With the remaining dough, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut the dough into strips and arrange them in a lattice pattern over the jam.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.

9. Allow the pasta frola to cool completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Value:

1. All-purpose flour (2 cups):

  - Calories: Approximately 900 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 190 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 20 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 2 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 10 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: Approximately 0 milligrams

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of B vitamins, particularly niacin and riboflavin.

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of iron and calcium.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides carbohydrates for energy, as well as some protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

2. Granulated sugar (1/2 cup):

  - Calories: Approximately 200 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 50 grams

  - Protein: 0 grams

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Sodium: 0 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

  - Vitamins: No significant vitamin content.

  - Minerals: No significant mineral content.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides quick energy due to its high carbohydrate content, but offers minimal nutritional value otherwise.

3. Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon):

  - Calories: Negligible

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Approximately 500 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

  - Vitamins: No significant vitamin content.

  - Minerals: No significant mineral content.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Used as a leavening agent to help the dough rise.

4. Salt (1/4 teaspoon):

  - Calories: Negligible

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Approximately 600 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

  - Vitamins: No significant vitamin content.

  - Minerals: Contains sodium.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness, but should be consumed in moderation due to its sodium content.

5. Unsalted butter (1/2 cup):

  - Calories: Approximately 800 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 0 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 1 gram

  - Fat: Approximately 92 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 20 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: Approximately 240 milligrams

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin A and small amounts of vitamin E and vitamin D.

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of calcium and phosphorus.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides richness and flavor to the pastry, along with essential fats and fat-soluble vitamins.

6. Egg (1 large):

  - Calories: Approximately 70 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 0.6 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 6 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 5 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 70 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: Approximately 185 milligrams

  - Vitamins: Contains significant amounts of vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin B12, and choline.

  - Minerals: Contains significant amounts of iron and phosphorus.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds structure, moisture, and richness to the dough, while also providing high-quality protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

7. Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon):

  - Calories: Approximately 12 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 0.5 grams

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Negligible

  - Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

  - Vitamins: Negligible

  - Minerals: Negligible

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor and aroma to the pastry without significant caloric or nutrient content.

8. Jam (1 cup):

  - Calories: Approximately 800 kcal (may vary depending on the type and brand of jam)

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 200 grams

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Approximately 10 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

  - Vitamins: May contain small amounts of vitamin C, depending on the fruit used.

  - Minerals: May contain small amounts of potassium and other minerals, depending on the fruit used.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides sweetness and flavor to the pastry, along with some natural fruit vitamins and minerals.