Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup sliced green olives
- 1/4 cup diced pimientos
- 1/4 cup diced cooked ham
- 1/4 cup diced cooked bacon
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Special Equipment Needed:
- Bowl
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Frying pan
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter and shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the cold water, stirring until the dough comes together.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into 3-inch circles and place on a baking sheet.
3. In a large frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chicken, onion, bell peppers, cilantro, raisins, olives, pimientos, ham, bacon, capers, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, red pepper flakes, paprika, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
5. Place a heaping tablespoon of the chicken mixture in the center of each pastry circle. Fold the edges of the pastry up and over the filling, pressing to seal.
6. Place the pastelitos on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Time:
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Temperature: 375°F
Serving Size: Makes about 24 pastelitos
Nutritional Information (per pastelito):
Calories: 200
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 7g
Substitutions for Ingredients
- Vegetable shortening can be substituted with coconut oil.
- Chicken can be substituted with ground beef or pork.
- Raisins can be substituted with diced dried apricots.
- Olives can be substituted with diced pickles.
- Bacon can be substituted with diced cooked turkey bacon.
Variations:
- The filling can be varied with different combinations of vegetables, meats, and spices.
- The pastelitos can be deep-fried instead of baked.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to seal the edges of the pastry well to prevent the filling from leaking out while baking.
- For a crispier crust, brush the pastelitos with a beaten egg before baking.
Storage Instructions:
Store the pastelitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the pastelitos in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the pastelitos on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs
- Lemon wedges
Pairings:
- Rice
- Beans
- Plantains
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Salad
- Fried plantains
- Fried yuca
Troubleshooting Advice:
If the pastelitos are not browning, increase the oven temperature to 400°F and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly before adding it to the filling.
Food History:
Cuban pastelitos are a traditional Cuban snack that have been enjoyed for generations.
Flavor Profiles:
Cuban pastelitos have a savory, slightly sweet flavor with a hint of spice.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve Cuban pastelitos as an appetizer or snack.
Related Categories
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Region: Cuban