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Pastechi — traditional dish from Oranjestad, Aruba
Snack Meat

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥450kcal
💪20gProtein
🌾45gCarbs
🥑22gFat
🌿3gFibre
⚖️250 gServing

* Per serving · 250 g. May vary.

Allergens

🌾 Gluten

Pastechi

How to order / say it
Say it Pastechi — [PAS-teh-chee]
Order I'd like a beef pastechi.
Locally Mi ke un pastechi di beef.
Say locally

A deep-fried pastry with fillings

Why try it?

Pastechis are popular in Oranjestad as a quick yet delicious snack. They symbolize the island's love for street food, offering a glimpse of local flavors encased in a crispy shell.

How it tastes

With a flaky golden shell, pastechis offer a satisfying crunch followed by a burst of savory filling, which can vary from beef to chicken, or even cheese for a creamy experience.

Origin & History — first documented: 1950

The pastechi likely originated in the mid-20th century as a street food staple, inspired by the empanadas of Latin countries, adapting to local taste preferences quickly.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🌾 300 g flour
  • 🥩 200 g minced beef
  • 🧄 100 g onion
  • 🥕 80 g bell pepper
  • 🫒 250 ml vegetable oil

Method

  1. 1 Prepare dough with flour and water.
  2. 2 Cook beef with onions and peppers.
  3. 3 Roll dough, fill with beef mixture.
  4. 4 Fold and seal pastries.
  5. 5 Deep fry until golden brown.
All Caribbean recipes — Aruba — Oranjestad — Pastechi
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