Central American Carac

Ingredients

In this Central American adaptation of Carac, the traditional French pastry is transformed by incorporating Central American flavors and ingredients. The dough is made with a combination of all-purpose flour and cornmeal, giving it a unique texture and a touch of sweetness. The filling is spiced with Central American spices like cumin and paprika, adding a distinct flavor profile to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Carac, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (120g) cornmeal 1 cup (120g) cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, salt, and sugar. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the warm water and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
3. 3.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
4. 4.
   In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
5. 5.
   Stir in the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
7. 7.
   Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a thin circle.
8. 8.
   Spoon a generous amount of the beef filling onto each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
9. 9.
   Roll up the dough tightly, starting from one end, to form a snail shape. Place the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. 10.
    Brush the pastries with beaten egg wash for a golden finish.
11. 11.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and crispy.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cornmeal — Make sure to use fine cornmeal for a smoother texture in the dough.
• Ground beef — Opt for lean ground beef to reduce the fat content in the filling.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
• Serve the Central American Carac with a side of salsa or guacamole for an extra burst of flavor.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked black beans or lentils.
• These pastries can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven for a quick and delicious snack.
• Experiment with different fillings such as shredded chicken or cheese for variety.

Serving advice

Serve the Central American Carac warm as an appetizer or snack. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a side of salsa or guacamole for dipping.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Central American Carac on a platter, showcasing their snail-like shape. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color.