How To Make Trini Beef Pastelles | Foodie Nation x Trini Cooking With Natasha

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often less expensive.

plantain leaves

💰Cheaper: aluminum foil

Aluminum foil can be used for wrapping when plantain leaves are unavailable.

cornmeal

🥗Healthier: quinoa flour

💰Cheaper: all-purpose flour

Quinoa flour offers a gluten-free option, while all-purpose flour is often cheaper.

scotch bonnet pepper

💰Cheaper: jalapeño

Jalapeño provides heat at a lower cost.

Season minced beef with salt, black pepper, and green seasoning. Mix well and marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until fragrant.

Add chopped onions to the skillet and sauté for about 2 minutes until softened.

Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add pimento peppers, thyme, and scotch bonnet pepper (optional). Stir and sauté for another 2 minutes.

Add a pinch of salt to enhance flavor while sautéing.

Add the marinated minced beef to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, mixing well. Increase heat to high to reduce moisture.

Cook for about 5 minutes until the mixture is well combined and thickened. Set aside to cool slightly.

In a bowl, combine corn flour and butter, then gradually add hot water while mixing until a dough forms.

Divide the dough into portions, making them slightly larger than a golf ball.

Using a pastel press or tortilla press, lightly brush with oil and place a portion of dough between two leaves or a ziplock bag.

Press down to flatten the dough into a disk, ensuring it is not too thin.

Fill the center of the flattened dough with a spoonful of the beef mixture.

Fold the leaves over the filling and press to seal. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Place the wrapped pastelles in a baking dish and add a little water to the bottom.

Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until cooked through.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary