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Puerto Rican Pastelillos (Empanadas) Recipe

Puerto Rican Pastelillos Recipe: Easy and Flavorful Comfort Food

A delicious recipe for Puerto Rican Pastelillos, also known as empanadas, featuring a savory filling and golden, crispy crust.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 pastelillos 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup green olives, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon sofrito
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix flour and salt, then cut in shortening until crumbly.
  2. Gradually add water until dough forms. Knead and let rest.
  3. In a skillet, cook onion and garlic until soft, add beef, cook until browned.
  4. Mix in olives, sofrito, oregano, and cumin; remove from heat.
  5. Roll dough into circles, place filling in center, seal with egg wash.
  6. Heat oil in a pan, fry pastelillos until golden brown.
  7. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

Notes

  • Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
  • Experiment with different fillings like chicken or cheese.
  • Author: Souzan
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Puerto Rican
  • Diet: Gluten-Free option available

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pastelillo
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Puerto Rican Pastelillos, Empanadas, Comfort Food