Sampa Pasty Gourmet

The Sampa Pasty Gourmet is a unique fusion of culinary traditions, combining the rich, hearty flavors of a traditional Cornish pasty with the vibrant and diverse tastes of São Paulo, Brazil. This gourmet pasty is perfect for those who love to explore new flavors and enjoy a satisfying and wholesome meal.

Background

The concept of enclosing a filling within a pastry dates back to ancient culinary practices seen across various cultures. The Cornish pasty, a staple of the British county of Cornwall, typically features a robust pastry encasing beef, potatoes, turnips, and onions. Meanwhile, São Paulo, fondly known as Sampa, boasts a rich culinary scene influenced by its diverse population, including Italian, Japanese, and Middle Eastern communities. Merging these influences, the Sampa Pasty Gourmet brings a cosmopolitan twist to a classic dish.

Ingredients

• Flour
• Butter
• Salt
• Water
• Beef
• Potatoes
• Onions
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Cumin
• Coriander
• Lime
• Cilantro
• Olive Oil
• Egg (for egg wash)

Preparation

Making the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 500g of flour and a pinch of salt. Cut 250g of butter into small cubes and rub into the flour until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
2. Slowly add 150ml of cold water while stirring with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together.
3. Knead the dough lightly, then wrap in plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Preparing the Filling

1. Dice 400g of beef into small cubes. In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat and brown the beef.
2. Add 2 diced onions, 3 cloves of minced garlic, and a small piece of minced ginger. Cook until the onions become translucent.
3. Add 2 teaspoons of cumin and 2 teaspoons of coriander, cooking until fragrant.
4. Peel and cube 3 potatoes, and add them to the beef mixture. Stir to combine all ingredients.
5. Squeeze juice from a lime over the mixture, add salt to taste, and let the filling cool completely.

Assembling the Pasty

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
2. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 3mm thick. Cut circles with a diameter of about 20cm.
3. Place a generous spoonful of beef mixture on one half of each circle. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
4. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges to seal, then crimp them with a fork or your fingers.
5. Brush the top of each pasty with beaten egg to give it a golden finish.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the pasties are golden brown and cooked through. Set a cooking timer to ensure you don't overbake them.

Enjoying Your Sampa Pasty Gourmet

These gourmet pasties are best enjoyed warm, either as a main course with a fresh salad or as a hearty snack. The combination of flavors makes for a delightful culinary experience, giving each bite a rich taste of São Paulo's diverse cultural palate. Pair this dish with a glass of your favorite wine or a refreshing lemonade for a complete gastronomic adventure. Bon appétit!