Pastechi is a traditional breakfast or snack from the ABC islands that is a crescent-shaped deep-fried dough with a filling.[1][2][3][4] It is similar to an empanada, although empanadas often have a cornmeal crust whereas pastechis often have a plain pastry shell.[5] The dough tends to be slightly sweet.[6] The fillings can also be quite different.[5] The filling widely varies and can include meat, seafood, vegetables, or cheese.[1][4] The filling can also be combined with other ingredients such as onions, peppers, celery stalks, raisins, cumin, and nutmeg.[1] Leftover meats, often roast chicken or pork, can be used for the recipe.[5]
 Pastechi | |
| Course | Breakfast, snack |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Curaçao, Aruba, and Bonaire |
| Main ingredients | dough (flour, salt, sugar, water, butter, egg), filling (meat, fish, vegetables, or cheese) combined with onions, green peppers, celery stalks, raisins, cumin, nutmeg, and/or hot peppers |
| Variations | numerous |
The dish is found throughout Aruba, particularly at roadside snack-bars or bakeries.[1][7] However, even some top-rated restaurants on the island serve the dish.[6] It can also be found in Curaçao and Bonaire.[7] The dish is often served at parties as well and tend to be smaller than the ones that are purchased with the party size approximately 10 centimeters in diameter.[7]
The pastechi reflects the diverse ethnic and culinary influences in Aruba, such as from Indonesia and the Netherlands.[2][5] For instance, the dish can utilize sambal olek or Indonesian chili paste.[5]
References
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- ^ a b c d "Traditional Savory Pastry From Aruba". TasteAtlas. 2016-11-08. Retrieved 2023-10-31.
- ^ a b McArthur, Monique (2023-08-28). "Pastechi". The Wicked Noodle. Retrieved 2023-10-31.
- ^ "Antillean pastechi recipe". Ohmydish. 2018-12-27. Retrieved 2023-10-31.
- ^ a b Öörni, J. (2017). Traveler's Paradise - ABC Islands: Travel Guide for ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao) (in Portuguese). Juha Öörni. p. 22. Retrieved 2023-10-31.
- ^ a b c d e Mireille, Chef (2017-03-13). "Aruba Style Empanada". Global Kitchen Travels. Retrieved 2023-10-31.
- ^ a b "How to Cook Authentic Aruban Cuisine". Aruba.com. 2020-04-27. Retrieved 2023-10-31.
- ^ a b c "Pastechi: Antillean filled pasties ⋆ RECIPE via SOULFOOD.nl". SOULFOOD.nl. 2021-01-14. Retrieved 2023-10-31.