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CaribbeanAuthentic Cuisine

Caribbean Cheese Pastry

Serves 4 to 6 Pastry vegetarian, Breads & Pastry

Caribbean Cheese Pastry

Caribbean Cheese Pastry is a staple at home tables across the islands, crafted with care and shared with family and friends. Passed down through generations, this is the version that embodies the warmth of a Caribbean kitchen, where salt is judged by hand, and butter and cheese are used with a generous touch. It's a dish that celebrates the everyday moments, bringing people together in a way that's as comforting as it is delicious.

Biting into the pastry reveals a flaky, buttery crust that gives way to a rich, cheesy center, creating a harmony of textures and flavors. The cheese, slightly tangy and perfectly melted, complements the tender pastry, making each bite a delight. Serve warm, fresh from the oven, and let the simple pleasure of this homemade treat speak for itself.

Ingredients

  • 300 gflour
  • 200 gcheese
  • 100 gbutter
  • 1egg

Method

  1. Begin by taking 100 g of butter out of the refrigerator and allowing it to soften at room temperature. This will make it easier to incorporate into the dough, ensuring a smooth and even texture. At the same time, bring 1 egg to room temperature by leaving it out for about 15 minutes; this helps it blend more uniformly into the dough.
  2. Grate 200 g of cheese using the side of the grater that produces medium-sized shreds. This size will melt evenly into the pastry, providing a consistent cheesy flavor throughout. Set the grated cheese aside for later use.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine 300 g of flour with a pinch of salt to taste. Add the softened butter to the flour. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This step is crucial for creating a flaky pastry texture.
  4. Add the grated cheese to the flour and butter mixture, and gently mix it in with your hands or a spatula until evenly distributed. Crack the room temperature egg into the bowl, and mix it into the dough until it just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the pastry tough.
  5. Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Knead the dough gently for a minute or two, just until it is smooth and holds together well. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up, which will make it easier to roll out.
  6. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out circles of dough, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  7. Bake the pastries in the preheated oven until they are golden brown and the cheese begins to bubble through the surface, about 15-20 minutes. The pastries should have a crisp edge and a soft, cheesy center. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack.
  8. Serve the Caribbean Cheese Pastries warm, allowing the flavors to fully develop as they cool slightly. They are best enjoyed fresh, showcasing the rich, buttery pastry and the savory, melted cheese.
Cover of Authentic Caribbean Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Caribbean Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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