Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, Aruba not only captivates visitors with its stunning beaches and vibrant culture but also tantalizes their taste buds with a rich culinary tapestry. Among the many delights that showcase the island's gastronomic heritage, Aruban Pastechi stands out as a beloved local treasure. These savory pastries, brimming with a delightful blend of flavors and cultural influences, provide a mouthwatering journey into the island's past and present. Join us as we unravel the layers of Aruban Pastechi, exploring the traditions, ingredients, and stories that make this delectable snack an integral part of Aruba's culinary identity.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef or chicken
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking oil for sautéing

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

1- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.

2- Add the chilled, cubed butter and use your fingertips to rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

3- Gradually add cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling:

1- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper in a bit of cooking oil until softened.

2- Add the minced garlic and ground beef or chicken, cooking until the meat is browned.

3- Stir in the tomato sauce, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Assemble the Pastechi:

1- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2- On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.

3- Using a round cutter or a glass, cut out circles from the dough (about 4-5 inches in diameter).

4- Place a spoonful of the cooled filling in the center of each dough circle.

5- Fold the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape, and seal the edges by pressing with a fork.

Bake the Pastechi:

1- Place the filled pastechi on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

2- Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them a golden finish.

3- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the pastechi are golden brown and crispy.

Serve and Enjoy:

1- Allow the pastechi to cool for a few minutes before serving.

2- Enjoy these delightful Aruban pastries on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce.

These Aruban Pastechi are a wonderful representation of the flavors and culinary traditions of Aruba. Serve them as a snack, appetizer, or part of a delicious meal.

Nutritional Values

It's challenging to provide precise nutritional values without specific brands or exact quantities, but I can give you a general idea based on common nutritional information for these ingredients. Keep in mind that the values may vary based on the specific products you use and the actual amounts.

Dough:

All-purpose flour (1 cup):

• Calories: 455
• Carbohydrates: 95g
• Protein: 13g
• Fat: 1.2g
• Fiber: 3.4g

benefits:

• Provides a good source of carbohydrates for energy.
• Contains small amounts of protein and fiber.
• Low in fat.

Unsalted butter (1 cup):

• Calories: 1628
• Carbohydrates: 0.1g
• Protein: 1.9g
• Fat: 184g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Rich source of fat, which is essential for energy and nutrient absorption.
• Contains negligible carbohydrates and protein.
• Adds a rich and buttery flavor to the dough.

Egg (1 large):

• Calories: 72
• Carbohydrates: 0.6g
• Protein: 6.3g
• Fat: 4.8g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Excellent source of high-quality protein.
• Contains essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, and choline.
• Contributes to the structure and texture of the dough.

Filling:

Ground beef (1 lb):

• Calories: 1160
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 92g
• Fat: 86g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• High-quality protein source for muscle development.
• Good source of iron and zinc.
• Provides essential amino acids for overall health.

Onion (1 medium):

• Calories: 46
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Fiber: 2.9g

benefits:

• Contains fiber, which supports digestive health.
• Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
• Adds flavor and depth to the filling.

Bell pepper (1 medium):

• Calories: 25
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0.3g
• Fiber: 2.5g

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamin C, promoting a healthy immune system.
• Provides dietary fiber for digestive health.
• Adds vibrant color and a sweet taste to the filling.

Garlic (2 cloves):

• Calories: 9
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 0.4g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0.2g

benefits:

• Known for its potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Adds a distinctive flavor to the filling.

Tomato sauce (1 cup):

• Calories: 74
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 0.5g
• Fiber: 4g

benefits:

• Contains lycopene, an antioxidant with potential health benefits.
• Provides vitamins like vitamin C and minerals like potassium.
• Adds a saucy and savory element to the filling.

Cumin (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 8
• Carbohydrates: 1.4g
• Protein: 0.4g
• Fat: 0.4g
• Fiber: 0.3g

benefits:

• Known for its potential digestive benefits.
• Adds a warm and earthy flavor to the filling.

Paprika (1 teaspoon): benefits

• Calories: 6
• Carbohydrates: 1.2g
• Protein: 0.3g
• Fat: 0.3g
• Fiber: 0.6g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
• Adds a mild, sweet, and smoky flavor to the filling.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific products you use and their nutritional information. Always check the labels for accurate data, especially if you have specific dietary requirements or restrictions.