Want to whip up a little snack with a Latin flavor? Check out this recipe for pastelitos!
What are Pastelitos?
As the name implies, pastelitos are small pastries wrapped in a pastry shell (think small empanadas). Variations of pastelitos can be found throughout the Spanish-speaking world.
Pastelito Settings
We used a CVap RTV7-05UV Retherm Oven.
Cook Time: 20 to 30 minutes.
The cook time depends on the pastry size, the filling type, and your expectations of doneness.
This recipe is unusual because it’s baked in a CVap oven without water.
Vapor Cook Temp: OFF (remove water from the evaporator)
Air Cook Temp: 325°F
Ingredients
- Prepared puff pastry – (found in your grocery’s freezer section)
- Guava Paste – (we used Goya)
- Cream cheese – (optional)
- 1 Egg – Large
- 2-3 Tbs Milk
- 1-2 Tbs Sugar
Process
- Whisk egg and milk together and set aside. This is your egg wash.
- Unpackage thawed puff pastry and unroll. The typical retail package contains two sheets.
- Use a ruler to measure the length and width of the pastry sheet. Use a knife to make the appropriate cuts. We used 4” squares to make the larger triangles and 2” squares for the smaller ones.
- Once you’ve determined the shapes you want, fill the pastry with guava paste (and cream cheese, if you choose).
– Chefs Note – You don’t want to overfill or underfill.
– We used two tablespoons for the larger pastelitos and two teaspoons for the smaller ones. - Use a pastry brush to apply the egg wash around the perimeter of the puff pastry, then fold over and press the seam together firmly. Seal with a fork.
- Egg wash the tops and apply a light sprinkling of sugar before baking.
The results were airy and delicious. Although we prepared sweet pastelitos, they can also be prepared as a savory treat, using different meats or cheeses as the filling. Experiment to see which is your favorite!
