Pastelles Recipe

Cooking Directions

• STEP 1.In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, salt, and water to make a smooth dough.
• STEP 2.In a separate pan, cook the meat with onions, garlic, and a blend of spices until browned.
• STEP 3.Divide the dough into small balls and flatten each ball into a circle.
• STEP 4.Place a spoonful of the meat mixture onto each circle of dough, along with some olives, raisins, and capers.
• STEP 5.Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and seal the edges by pressing with a fork.
• STEP 6.Steam or boil the pastelles for about 30 minutes, or until the dough is cooked through.
• STEP 7.Serve hot with a side of spicy pepper sauce for dipping.

Cooking Tips

• To make the dough easier to work with, you can wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes before rolling it out.
• Feel free to customize the filling by adding other ingredients such as bell peppers, carrots, or corn.
• If you don't have a steamer, you can use a large pot with a steamer basket or a colander placed over boiling water.

Storage and Serving

• Pastelles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, steam the pastelles for a few minutes until heated through.
• Serve pastelles as a main dish with a side of salad or as an appetizer at parties and gatherings.