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Colombian Meat Pastry Bites 2

Serves 4 to 6 Appetizer meat, Appetizers

Colombian Meat Pastry Bites 2

Colombian Meat Pastry Bites 2 is crafted lovingly in Colombian homes, where the approach to seasoning and cooking is as intuitive as it is generous. This dish is a staple for family gatherings, where the table is set for sharing and the atmosphere is warm. The recipe captures the essence of home cooking, passed down through generations with no need for strict measurements, relying instead on the cook's seasoned hand.

As you bite into these pastries, expect a satisfying crunch from the golden, fried exterior that gives way to a savory, tender filling of seasoned ground beef and onions. The flavors are simple yet rich, with salt and pepper enhancing the natural taste of the ingredients. These bites are perfect for sharing, embodying the spirit of a Colombian home table where food is a communal experience.

Ingredients

  • 300 gground beef
  • 1onion
  • 12pastry wrappers
  • for fryingoil
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Start by finely chopping 1 onion. This will ensure that the onion cooks evenly and blends well with the ground beef, providing a uniform flavor throughout the filling.
  2. In a medium-sized skillet, heat a generous amount of oil over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent and soft, releasing a sweet aroma. This should take a few minutes, and it's important to stir occasionally to prevent browning.
  3. Add 300 g of ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat into small pieces, ensuring it cooks evenly. Cook until the beef is browned and no pink remains, which will indicate that it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
  4. Season the beef and onion mixture with fine sea salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary, aiming for a balanced flavor that complements the pastry.
  5. Lay out 12 pastry wrappers on a clean surface. Place a spoonful of the beef and onion mixture in the center of each wrapper. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing difficult and may cause the pastries to burst during cooking.
  6. Fold each pastry wrapper over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together, using a fork to crimp and seal the edges. This will help prevent the filling from leaking out during frying.
  7. In a large, deep frying pan, heat enough oil to submerge the pastries over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the pastries in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry until the pastries are golden brown and crispy on both sides, which indicates they are cooked through and the pastry is perfectly crisp.
  8. Remove the pastries from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil. Finish with a light sprinkle of fine sea salt while they are still hot. Serve the Colombian Meat Pastry Bites immediately, sharing them at the table for everyone to enjoy.
Cover of Authentic Colombian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Colombian Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Colombian Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Colombian volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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