Pastel de Palmito / Palm Heart Brazilian Empanadas

Palm Heart Empanadas or Pastel de Palmito (in Portuguese) is a scrumptious savory pastry originating from Brazil. This delightful treat features hearts of palm (palmito) a prominently ingredient in the cuisines of South American countries where it is cultivated abundantly.

Author
Brazil & Co.
Category

Appetizers

Cuisine

Brazilian

Ingredients

  • 1 package of Pastel / Pastry dough
  • 1 can of Palm Hearts, chopped
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small tomato, diced
  • 1/2 cup of chopped parsley and chives
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil for frying
  • You can replace the garlic and salt with our all-in-one Seasoning.
  • If you like it spicy, try eating Pastel with our delicious chilli sauce.

Directions

  1. In a frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until golden brown.
  2. Add the diced tomato and sauté for a few more minutes until it begins to break down.
  3. Add the chopped Palm Hearts to the frying pan and mix well. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and the chopped herbs to taste. Stir well and let it cook for a few more minutes. Set aside.
  5. Open the package of Pastel Pastry Dough and separate the sheets.
  6. Place a portion of the palm heart filling on one half of each Pastel Pastry Dough sheet.
  7. Fold the other half of the pastry dough over the filling and press the edges with a fork to seal well.
  8. In a deep frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Once hot, fry the Pastel in batches, turning them until they are golden brown on all sides.
  9. Remove the fried Pastel from the pan and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
  10. Serve the Palm Heart Pastel hot, accompanied by hot sauce or your preferred dipping sauce.