🥟 Brazilian Massa de Pastel: A Crispy Gateway to Flavor
Brazilian Massa de Pastel is more than just dough—it's a cultural icon, a street food staple, and a deliciously crispy canvas for endless fillings. Whether you’re craving savory meat, gooey cheese, or vibrant vegetables, pastel is the snack that satisfies every palate. Let’s dive into the world of pastel, explore its history, master the dough, and discover irresistible fillings. Plus, we’ll highlight some top pastel products from Emporio Brasil.
🇧🇷 What Is Brazilian Pastel?
- Pastel is a deep-fried pastry made with a thin, crispy dough called massa de pastel.
- It’s typically rectangular or half-moon shaped, filled with savory or sweet ingredients.
- Popular at street fairs (feiras), beach kiosks, and pastelarias (pastel shops).
- Influenced by Japanese and Chinese immigrants in Brazil, pastel evolved into a beloved national snack.
🧑🍳 How to Make Massa de Pastel
Here’s a classic homemade dough recipe adapted from Olivia’s Cuisine:
📝 Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp cachaça (or vodka)
👨🍳 Instructions:
- Mix & Knead: Combine flour and salt. Add water, oil, vinegar, and cachaça. Knead until smooth and elastic.
- Rest: Cover and let the dough rest for 30 minutes.
- Roll Out: Roll dough thin (1–2 mm). Cut into rectangles or circles.
- Fill & Seal: Add filling, fold, and seal edges with a fork.
- Fry: Deep-fry at 350°F until golden and bubbly (about 2 minutes per side).
- Serve: Drain on paper towels and serve hot!
🧀 Popular Pastel Fillings
🥩 1. Ground Beef
- Sauté onion and garlic.
- Brown ground beef, season with salt, pepper, olives, and parsley.
- Spoon into dough and fry.
🍗 2. Chicken with Catupiry
- Shredded chicken mixed with creamy Catupiry cheese.
- Add herbs or corn for extra flavor.
🧀 3. Cheese
- Mozzarella or a mix of cheeses like provolone and parmesan.
- Add tomato and oregano for a “pizza pastel.”
🥬 4. Vegetables
- Hearts of palm with tomato sauce and olives.
- Escarola sautéed with garlic and olive oil.
🍌 5. Sweet Options
- Banana with cinnamon and sugar.
- Guava paste with cheese (Romeu e Julieta).
- Brigadeiro or dulce de leche.
🛒 Where to Buy Ready-Made Massa de Pastel
If you’re short on time, Emporio Brasil offers high-quality pastel dough:
| Product | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Massa Do Pastel Lasagne Pastry (800g) | Rolled pastry ideal for pastel or lasagna. Easy to cut and fry. | Emporio Brasil |
These frozen doughs are convenient and authentic—just add your favorite filling and fry!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Pair with caldo de cana (sugarcane juice) or a cold beer.
- Serve with hot sauce or garlic mayo.
- Great for parties, game nights, or cozy family dinners.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Brazilian pastel is a celebration of flavor, texture, and tradition. Whether you make the dough from scratch or buy it ready-to-use, the magic lies in the filling and the crispy bite. With options ranging from savory meats to sweet indulgences, pastel is the snack that never disappoints.
Ready to fry up a batch? Which filling are you craving most—classic beef, cheesy goodness, or something sweet?