Pastel de Feijão with a Twist

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) cooked white beans 2 cups (400g) cooked white beans
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 sheet of puff pastry 1 sheet of puff pastry
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Nutrition

• Calories: 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat: 9g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
• Carbohydrates: 20g (Sugar: 1g)
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the cooked white beans to the pan and mash them with a fork or potato masher until smooth.
4. 4.
   Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Roll out the puff pastry sheet and cut it into small squares or circles, depending on your preference.
6. 6.
   Spoon a small amount of the bean filling onto each pastry square or circle, leaving a border around the edges.
7. 7.
   Fold the pastry over the filling and press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to create a decorative pattern along the edges.
8. 8.
   Place the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Puff pastry — Ensure that the puff pastry is thawed before using it. If it becomes too soft, refrigerate it for a few minutes to make it easier to work with.
• White beans — If using canned beans, rinse them thoroughly before using to remove any excess sodium. If using dried beans, soak and cook them according to package instructions until tender.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can sauté the onion and garlic in butter instead of olive oil.
• Experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor of the filling.
• Serve the pastries warm for the best taste and texture.
• These pastries can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven before serving.
• If you prefer a crispier crust, brush the pastries with melted butter instead of egg wash before baking.

Serving advice

Serve the Pastel de Feijão as a snack or appetizer. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a fresh salad for a light meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the pastries on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for an attractive presentation. Serve them warm to showcase their golden color and flaky texture.