Pastel Mandi’o

Step by stepInstructions

1. Boil the mandioca in salted water for 20 to 25 minutes until very tender, then drain and mash until smooth, removing any fibrous strings.
2. While it cools, make the filling: heat the 1 tbsp oil and cook the onion for 3 minutes, then add the garlic, beef, tomato, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper and cook for 8 minutes until browned; cool completely.
3. Mix the mashed mandioca with the flour, butter, and the 1 tsp salt into a soft dough.
4. Divide the dough into 12 pieces, flatten each into a 5-inch round, and place a spoonful of filling on one half.
5. Fold over, seal the edges with a fork, and shape into half-moons.
6. Heat the frying oil to 350°F and fry the pasteles in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until deep golden and crisp.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve hot with lemon wedges.