Pastel
Pastel is a typical Brazilian fried pastry with varied fillings. As a 'Pastelaria', it is likely that they specialize in different kinds of Pastels.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Maria Bonita Pastelaria
The origin of the pastel is linked to Chinese spring rolls and Japanese gyozas, brought to Brazil by Asian immigrants, mainly during the early 20th century. Adapting the recipes to local ingredients and tastes, they created a simplified, deep-fried version, becoming the pastel we know today. This allowed them to operate small, accessible food businesses.
Pastel is an integral part of Brazilian street food culture, found in 'pastelarias' (shops specializing in pastels), street markets, and fairs all over the country. It's a quick, affordable, and satisfying meal or snack, often enjoyed with sugarcane juice (caldo de cana).
Street Food Staple
Pastels are readily available and a common sight at street fairs ('feiras') throughout Brazil, creating a vibrant and social atmosphere.
Pastelarias
Specialized 'pastelarias' exist solely to serve a wide variety of pastel fillings and are popular meeting places.
Sugarcane Juice Pairing
It is very common to enjoy a freshly squeezed sugarcane juice ('caldo de cana') alongside a pastel, the sweetness of the juice complementing the savory filling.
Pastels offer a delightful contrast between the crispy, flaky crust and the savory fillings. The flavor profile depends heavily on the chosen filling, ranging from salty and savory to sweet and spicy.
The crust itself is typically quite neutral in flavor, designed to provide texture and support for the filling. Common fillings include ground beef (carne), cheese (queijo), heart of palm (palmito), chicken (frango), and shrimp (camarão). The ground beef is often seasoned with onions, garlic, and sometimes olives and hard-boiled eggs. Cheese fillings often use mozzarella or a similar melting cheese. Palmito offers a slightly sweet and earthy flavor. Chicken fillings are usually shredded and seasoned with various herbs and spices. Shrimp fillings are seasoned with garlic, onions, and sometimes tomatoes. Some pastels also feature sweet fillings, such as banana and cinnamon or chocolate.
Freshness Matters
Look for pastelarias or street vendors with high turnover to ensure your pastel is freshly made and crispy.
Filling Variety
Don't be afraid to experiment with different fillings – there's a pastel for every taste! Try local or regional specialties for a unique experience.
Temperature is Key
Pastels are best enjoyed hot, straight from the fryer. Be careful when taking the first bite, as the filling can be very hot!
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