Empanadas De Palmito (pastel De Palmito Empanadas)

Empanadas de Palmito, also known as Pastel de Palmito Empanadas, are a popular Brazilian snack made with a savory palm heart filling encased in a flaky pastry crust. These delicious empanadas are perfect for a quick meal or as a party appetizer.

Vegetarian Snack Brazilian Empanadas Brazilian Cuisine
Empanadas De Palmito (pastel De Palmito Empanadas)

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 14 oz (400g) palm hearts, drained and chopped
  • 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Gradually add the cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  3. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
  4. Add the chopped palm hearts and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the chopped olives, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
  5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  6. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a round cutter or a small plate, cut out circles of dough.
  7. Place a spoonful of the palm heart filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, then crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
  8. Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown.
  10. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
30 minutes
Cooking time:
25 minutes
Total time:
55 minutes
Cooking method
Baking

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
250 per serving
Carbohydrates
20g
Protein
5g
Fat
15g

Supplies

Rolling pin Baking sheet Parchment paper

Tools

Pastry cutter or fork Round cutter or small plate

Serving suggestions

Serve the empanadas with a side of chimichurri sauce for dipping.

Tips & tricks

For a shortcut, you can use store-bought empanada dough instead of making the pastry from scratch.

Cost

$15