Indulge in a culinary journey through El Salvador with our exquisite pastelitos. These delectable hand-held pastries are a cherished part of Salvadoran cuisine, each bite a symphony of flavors and textures. Encased in a delicate, flaky crust, our pastelitos boast a savory filling that bursts with authentic Central American ingredients and spices.

Experience the rich heritage and warmth of El Salvador with every bite of our pastelitos. Whether stuffed with savory meats like seasoned pork or chicken, or featuring traditional vegetarian options like cheese and beans, each pastelito is a celebration of culinary craftsmanship and cultural tradition.

Perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special events, our El Salvador Pastelitos are sure to delight your taste buds and transport you to the vibrant streets of San Salvador. Taste the essence of Central America with our irresistible pastelitos today!

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 1 cup cold water

For the Filling:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef or pork (or a combination)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes (optional)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or queso fresco cheese

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to incorporate the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.

2- Gradually add the cold water, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough for a few minutes until smooth. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

3- While the dough is resting, prepare the filling. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

4- Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Stir in the ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. If using potatoes, add them to the skillet and cook until they are tender, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling cool slightly.

5- Preheat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C).

6- Divide the 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 meat filling (or cheese, if preferred) onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edges. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Use a fork to crimp the edges and seal the pastelitos.

8- Carefully place the sealed pastelitos into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.

9- Remove the pastelitos from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious El Salvador Pastelitos!

Nutritional Values :

For the Dough (per serving):

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 300mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 33gDietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 4g

benefits

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides carbohydrates for energy and small amounts of protein.
• Unsalted Butter: Contains fat for flavor and texture, as well as a small amount of protein and vitamins.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and helps regulate fluid balance in the body.
• Water: Essential for hydration and helps bind the dough ingredients together.

For the Filling (per serving, assuming beef is used):

• Calories: 200 kcal
• Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 300mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 5gDietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 18g

benefits

• Vegetable Oil: Provides healthy fats and adds moisture to the filling.
• Onion: Rich in antioxidants and adds flavor to the dish.
• Garlic: Contains compounds with potential health benefits, including immune-boosting properties.
• Ground Meat (Beef or Pork): Excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals like iron and zinc.
• Ground Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor and may have digestive benefits.
• Dried Oregano: Rich in antioxidants and adds a savory flavor to the filling.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances flavor and balances the taste of the filling.
• Potatoes (optional): Provides carbohydrates for energy and adds texture to the filling.
• Shredded Cheese (Mozzarella or Queso Fresco): Adds richness, creaminess, and a good source of calcium and protein.

For the Cheese Filling (per serving, using mozzarella):

• Calories: 80 kcal
• Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 0gDietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 7g

benefits

Vegetable Oil: Provides the medium for frying and adds fat to the dish, contributing to flavor and texture.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands of ingredients used and portion sizes. Additionally, the values provided are for one serving of each component (dough and filling) and may need to be adjusted depending on the actual serving size of the pastelitos.