How to Make Pastís: A Flaky, Buttery Delight from Your Kitchen

Pastís. The name itself sounds like a whisper of buttery goodness, doesn’t it? This delightful pastry, with roots in Spain but embraced by cultures worldwide, is a testament to the simple beauty of flaky dough and delicious fillings. Imagine biting into a warm, golden crust that shatters delicately, revealing a savory filling that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor. That’s the magic of pastís.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this guide will equip you with everything you need to create your own batch of mouthwatering pastís. We’ll walk through the steps together, sharing tips and tricks along the way, so you can confidently craft a pastry that’s as impressive as it is delicious. Get ready to impress your family and friends with your newfound baking prowess!

Gathering Your Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors

Before we embark on our baking adventure, let’s gather our ingredients. The beauty of pastís lies not just in its flaky crust but also in the versatility of its fillings. You can opt for classic savory fillings like seasoned meat or vegetables, or explore sweet variations with fruit and creamy custards. For this recipe, we’ll focus on a traditional savory filling.

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• 1/2 cup ice water, plus more if needed

For the Filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 cup chopped mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup beef broth

Optional Glaze:

• 1 egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water

Tools of the Trade: Preparing for Baking Bliss

Having the right tools on hand can make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to create your pastís masterpiece:

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pastry cutter or two forks
• Plastic wrap
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Pastry brush (optional)

Crafting Your Pastís: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now comes the exciting part – bringing our pastís to life! Follow these steps carefully, and remember, practice makes perfect.

1. Creating the Flaky Foundation: Making the Dough

1. Combine dry ingredients: In your large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Cut in the butter: Add the diced cold butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for creating those desirable flaky layers in your pastry.
3. Gradually add water: Slowly drizzle in the ice water, a little at a time, while mixing with a fork until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
4. Rest and chill: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten in the dough to relax, making it easier to roll out later.

2. Building Layers of Flavor: Preparing the Filling

While the dough chills, let’s create our savory filling:

1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Brown the pork: Add the ground pork to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
3. Add vegetables and seasonings: Stir in the mixed vegetables, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
4. Simmer and thicken: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for a few minutes, or until the liquid reduces slightly and the filling thickens. Set aside to cool.

3. Assembling Your Masterpiece: Shaping and Filling the Pastís

1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the dough: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the chilled dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.
3. Cut the dough: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into squares or rectangles, depending on your desired pastís size.
4. Fill and fold: Spoon a generous amount of the cooled filling onto one half of each dough square, leaving a border. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a triangle or rectangle.
5. Seal and crimp: Press the edges of the dough together firmly to seal in the filling. Use a fork to crimp the edges decoratively.
6. Glaze for a golden finish (optional): Brush the tops of the pastís with the egg yolk glaze for a beautiful golden brown finish.

4. Baking to Perfection: Achieving Golden Brown Glory

1. Arrange and bake: Place the assembled pastís on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Bake until golden: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastís are golden brown and the filling is heated through.
3. Cool and serve: Let the pastís cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.