Curaçaoan • snack

Pastechi (Curaçaoan Fried Pastries)

Name: Pastechi (Curaçaoan Fried Pastries)
Prep time: PT1hr
Cook time: PT20min
Total time: PT1hr20min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: Curaçaoan
Ingredients: 3 cups All-purpose flour; 100g Butter, cold and cubed; 1 tsp Salt; 1 tsp Sugar; 1 Egg; 1/2 cup Cold water; 2 cups Vegetable oil for frying; 300g Gouda cheese, grated (for cheese filling); 300g Ground beef, cooked and seasoned (for meat filling); 300g Cooked chicken, shredded and seasoned (for chicken filling)

Crispy half-moon pastries filled with cheese, meat, or chicken — the ultimate Curaçaoan street food and breakfast staple.

1 hr 20 min12 servingsMedium220 kcal

Instructions

1
Make the dough: in a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar.
2
Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3
Add the egg and cold water. Mix until a dough forms. Knead briefly, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4
Divide the dough into 12 equal balls. Roll each ball into a thin circle about 15cm diameter.
5
Place 2-3 tablespoons of your chosen filling on one half of each circle.
6
Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly.
7
Crimp the edges with a fork to seal completely — this prevents the filling from leaking during frying.
8
Heat oil to 175°C (350°F) in a deep pan.
9
Fry pastechi 2-3 at a time for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
10
Drain on paper towels and serve hot. Pastechi are best eaten fresh and crispy.

Chef's Notes

Pastechi are the Curaçaoan version of empanadas, influenced by Dutch and South American cuisine. Every bakery on the island sells them — cheese (kaas) is the most popular filling. Eat them for breakfast with a cup of coffee.