How to make Pastelitos

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Ground turkey reduces fat while beans offer a vegetarian option.

cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: cream cheese

Nutritional yeast is lower in calories and adds a cheesy flavor.

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil is a healthier fat alternative.

black olives

🥗Healthier: green olives

💰Cheaper: no olives

Green olives provide a similar briny flavor.

Mix flour, salt, and butter in a bowl until crumbly.

Gradually add water until a dough forms; knead until smooth.

Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic; sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Stir in cumin, oregano, and lime juice; mix well and remove from heat.

Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick.

Cut dough into circles using a cutter or glass.

Place a spoonful of beef mixture and a slice of cheese on one half of each circle.

Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape; seal edges by pressing with a fork.

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat.

Fry pastelitos in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.

Serve warm, optionally with salsa or hot sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens