Pastel de Feijoada

Introduction

Pastel de Feijoada is a delightful fusion dish that combines the flavors of the traditional Brazilian feijoada with a popular street food pastry known as pastel. Feijoada, originally rooted in Portuguese food traditions, is a hearty black bean stew typically made with pork. It is often regarded as Brazil’s national dish. By encasing this culinary classic in the crispy shell of a pastel, you get a perfect blend of Brazilian culinary traditions in a fun, innovative form.

Ingredients

• Black beans
• Bacon
• Pork belly
• Smoked sausage
• Onion
• Garlic
• Bay leaf
• Flour
• Water
• Vegetable oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Vinegar

Pastel Dough Ingredients

• Flour – 250g
• Water – 100ml
• Vegetable oil – 2 tablespoons
• Vinegar – 1 tablespoon
• Salt – 1 teaspoon

Feijoada Filling Ingredients

• Black beans – 200g
• Bacon – 100g
• Pork belly – 200g
• Smoked sausage – 150g
• Onion – 1, diced
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
• Bay leaf – 2 leaves
• Salt – to taste
• Pepper – to taste

Preparation

Preparing the Feijoada Filling

1. Start by soaking the black beans overnight. This helps to soften them and reduce the cooking time.
2. Chop the bacon, pork belly, and smoked sausage into small pieces.
3. In a large pot, render the fat from the bacon over medium heat, adding in the pork belly and smoked sausage until browned.
4. Add the onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
5. Next, add the soaked black beans and enough water to cover them. Include the bay leaf for added aroma.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the stew to simmer until the beans are fully cooked.
7. Once cooked, remove the bay leaf and allow the filling to cool before using it for the pastel.

Making the Pastel Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Add the water, vegetable oil, and vinegar to the mixture, kneading it into a smooth dough.
3. Cover the dough and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
4. After resting, roll out the dough on a floured surface into thin sheets.
5. Cut into squares or circles, depending on your preference for pastel shapes.

Assembly and Cooking

1. Place a spoonful of the cooled black beans and meat mixture in the center of each dough piece.
2. Fold the dough over the filling to enclose it and seal the edges by pressing with a fork.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot.
4. Once the oil has reached the right temperature, carefully fry the pastels until they are golden brown and crispy.
5. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.

Enjoying Your Pastel de Feijoada

These pastels are best enjoyed hot and fresh. Traditionally, they can be accompanied by a fresh salad and hot sauce on the side. For a more authentic Brazilian experience, pair them with a refreshing caipirinha or a cold beer.

Pastel de Feijoada not only satisfies the taste buds but also brings together the essence of Brazilian culinary art, showcasing how traditional dishes can evolve while respecting their origins.