Learn how to make Pastel Mandi'o, a traditional Paraguayan delicacy featuring golden fried dough stuffed with flavorful meat and vegetable fillings. Made from cassava flour, this gluten-free delight offers a crispy exterior with a hearty, savory interior. Discover the step-by-step recipe and indulge in the rich flavors of South American cuisine today!

Ingredients:

For the dough:

  - 2 cups cassava flour

  - 1 cup warm water

  - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

  - 1 teaspoon salt

For the filling:

  - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

  - 1 onion, finely chopped

  - 2 cloves garlic, minced

  - 1/2 pound ground beef or pork

  - 1/2 cup diced bell pepper

  - 1/2 cup diced tomato

  - Salt and pepper to taste

  - Optional: chopped green onions, olives, or hard-boiled eggs for extra flavor

Instructions:

1-In a mixing bowl, combine cassava flour and salt. Gradually add warm water and vegetable oil, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough for a few minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.

2-While the dough is resting, prepare the filling. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened and fragrant.

3-Add ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

4-Stir in diced bell pepper and tomato. Cook for a few more minutes until the vegetables are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add chopped green onions, olives, or hard-boiled eggs for extra flavor.

5-Preheat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).

6-Divide the rested dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Roll out each ball into a thin circle on a lightly floured surface.

7-Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal, using a fork to crimp the edges if desired.

8-Carefully place the filled pastels in the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.

9-Remove the fried pastels from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

10-Serve the Pastel Mandi'o hot as a delicious appetizer or snack, optionally with a dipping sauce like chimichurri or salsa. Enjoy your homemade Paraguayan treat!

Nutritional Values :

Cassava Flour (2 cups):

  - Calories: 720

  - Carbohydrates: 180g

  - Protein: 2g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Fiber: 8g

benefits:

  - Gluten-free: Ideal for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

  - Good source of carbohydrates: Provides energy for the body.

  - Rich in fiber: Promotes digestive health and helps maintain regular bowel movements.

  - Contains resistant starch: May have prebiotic properties, supporting gut health.

Water (1 cup):

  - Water does not contribute significant calories or macronutrients.

benefits:

  - Hydration: Water helps maintain the balance of bodily fluids, which are essential for digestion, circulation, absorption, and temperature regulation.

  - Energy Boost: Drinking water can help fight fatigue by improving the function of cells and organs.

  - Skin Health: Staying hydrated keeps the skin moisturized and can help improve its elasticity, potentially reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

  - Weight Management: Drinking water before meals can help you feel fuller, potentially leading to reduced calorie intake.

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons):

  - Calories: 240

  - Fat: 28g

  - No significant carbohydrates or protein

benefits:

  - Source of healthy fats: Provides essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6.

  - Vitamin E: Acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.

  - Supports heart health: May help lower bad cholesterol levels when used in moderation.

Salt (1 teaspoon):

  - Negligible calories, carbohydrates, fat, or protein

benefits:

  - Electrolyte Balance: Salt helps maintain the body's electrolyte balance, which is essential for nerve function and muscle contraction.

  - Hydration: It plays a crucial role in maintaining hydration by regulating fluid balance in the body.

  - Blood Pressure Regulation: In small amounts, salt is necessary for maintaining blood pressure. However, excessive consumption can lead to high blood pressure.

Ground Beef or Pork (1/2 pound):

  - Calories: Approx. 500-600 (varies based on fat content)

  - Protein: Approx. 25-30g

  - Fat: Approx. 40-50g

benefits:

  - High-quality protein: Essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

  - Iron: Important for oxygen transport in the blood and overall energy levels.

  - Vitamin B12: Supports nerve function and red blood cell production.

Onion (1 medium):

  - Calories: Approx. 40-50

  - Carbohydrates: Approx. 10-12g

  - Fiber: Approx. 2-3g

  - Protein: Approx. 1g

  - Fat: Negligible

benefits:

  - Antioxidants: Contains compounds like quercetin and sulfur compounds that may help reduce inflammation and fight oxidative stress.

  - Prebiotic fiber: Supports the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, promoting digestive health.

  - Vitamin C: Boosts immune function and supports collagen production for healthy skin.

Garlic (2 cloves):

  - Calories: Approx. 10-15

  - Carbohydrates: Approx. 2-3g

  - Fiber: Approx. 0.2g

  - Protein: Approx. 0.5g

  - Fat: Negligible

benefits:

  - Immune support: Contains compounds like allicin that may help boost the immune system and reduce the severity of colds and infections.

  - Heart health: May help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.

  - Antioxidant properties: Protects cells from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress.

Bell Pepper (1/2 cup diced):

  - Calories: Approx. 15-20

  - Carbohydrates: Approx. 3-4g

  - Fiber: Approx. 1g

  - Protein: Approx. 0.5g

  - Fat: Negligible

benefits:

  - Vitamin C: Provides a significant amount of vitamin C, which supports immune function and acts as an antioxidant.

  - Vitamin A: Important for vision health and immune function.

  - Antioxidants: Contains carotenoids like beta-carotene, which may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Tomato (1/2 cup diced):

  - Calories: Approx. 15-20

  - Carbohydrates: Approx. 3-4g

  - Fiber: Approx. 1g

  - Protein: Approx. 0.5g

  - Fat: Negligible

benefits:

  - Lycopene: A powerful antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and promote heart health.

  - Vitamin C: Supports immune function and collagen production.

  - Potassium: Helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance in the body.

Please note that these are approximate values and can vary based on factors mentioned earlier. For precise nutritional information, you may want to use a nutrition calculator or consult specific product labels.