Pastelitos
Savory pastries filled with meat or vegetables.
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.
La Promesa restaurant
Pastelitos, savory pastries, reflect a blend of Spanish and Caribbean influences, evolving over centuries from simple dough-based snacks to elaborate fillings and crusts. The use of puff pastry points to European baking traditions, while the flavorful fillings draw inspiration from local ingredients and Cuban culinary heritage.
Pastelitos are an integral part of Cuban cuisine and culture, often enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or light meal. They are commonly found at bakeries, cafes, and family gatherings, representing a shared culinary experience.
Social Gatherings
Pastelitos are frequently served at social gatherings, parties, and celebrations, reflecting the Cuban tradition of sharing food and camaraderie.
Everyday Snack
They are a popular everyday snack or breakfast item, readily available and enjoyed by people of all ages.
Bakeries (Panaderías)
Bakeries play a central role in pastelito culture, with each bakery often having its own unique recipes and variations.
Pastelitos offer a delightful combination of savory fillings encased in flaky, buttery pastry. The overall flavor profile is rich, savory, and often slightly sweet or spicy, depending on the filling.
The main flavors come from the specific filling, which can vary widely. Popular fillings include: ground beef seasoned with sofrito (a base of tomatoes, onions, peppers, and garlic), guava paste with cream cheese (guava and cheese), or seasoned chicken. The flaky pastry crust is made with butter or shortening, creating a rich, slightly salty taste that contrasts perfectly with the savory fillings. Common spices used in the meat fillings are cumin, oregano, and paprika.
Flaky Pastry
Use cold butter or shortening when making the pastry to ensure a flaky texture. Keep the dough cold throughout the process.
Filling Consistency
Ensure the filling is not too wet, as this can make the pastry soggy. Cook the filling thoroughly to develop the flavors.
Sealing the Pastelitos
Seal the edges of the pastelitos tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. A fork can be used to create a decorative and secure seal.
Baking Temperature
Bake at a high temperature (around 400°F or 200°C) to ensure the pastry puffs up and browns evenly.
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