Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced green olives
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 sheets of puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten
Special Equipment Needed:
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, onion, red bell pepper, green olives, raisins, tomato paste, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each sheet of puff pastry to a 12x12 inch square.
4. Cut each sheet into 4 equal squares.
5. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the center of each pastry square.
6. Fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle.
7. Use a fork to press the edges together to seal.
8. Place the pastelitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Brush the tops of the pastelitos with the beaten egg.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
400°F (200°C)
Serving size:
8 pastelitos
Nutritional information:
Calories: 327
Fat: 21g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 10g
Sodium: 290mg
Sugar: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken can be substituted with beef or pork.
- Red bell pepper can be substituted with green bell pepper.
- Green olives can be substituted with black olives.
- Raisins can be substituted with dried cranberries or currants.
Variations:
- Add a tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro to the chicken mixture for added flavor.
- Substitute the tomato paste with salsa for a spicier version.
- Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the puff pastry is thawed before using.
- Do not overfill the pastelitos or they will burst open during baking.
- Use a fork to press the edges together firmly to ensure a good seal.
- Brush the pastelitos with egg wash to give them a shiny golden brown finish.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover pastelitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat pastelitos in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve pastelitos on a platter with a side of salsa or guacamole for dipping.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
Pairings:
Serve pastelitos with a side of rice and beans or a simple green salad.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Rice and beans
- Green salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the pastelitos burst open during baking, try pressing the edges together more firmly next time.
- If the pastelitos are not golden brown, brush them with more egg wash and bake for a few more minutes.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before using.
- Store leftover pastelitos in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Food History:
Pastelitos de Pollo are a popular snack in Latin American cuisine, particularly in the Caribbean. They are believed to have originated in Cuba and have since spread throughout the region.
Flavor Profiles:
Pastelitos de Pollo are savory and slightly sweet, with a hint of spice from the cumin and oregano.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve pastelitos as an appetizer or snack, or as a main dish with a side of rice and beans.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Cuban