Are you craving a delicious, authentic treat that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than the Panetela de Guayaba! This delightful guava pastry is a cherished recipe passed down through generations, offering a perfect blend of sweet and subtly tart flavors. It's the kind of homemade cooking that will impress your family and friends, and it's surprisingly simple to create, even for beginners exploring easy recipes. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey filled with the irresistible aroma of guava and the delightful crunch of a perfectly baked pastry. This recipe is a perfect example of delicious dishes made with simple ingredients.
Ingredients:
This recipe makes approximately 12 panetelas. Adjust quantities as needed.
- For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
- For the Filling:
- 1 (15 ounce) can guava paste, finely chopped (or 2 cups homemade guava paste)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste depending on guava paste sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, enhances flavor)
- For the Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk or cream
Instructions:
Making the Dough:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
- Add Water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing.
- Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a flakier pastry.
Preparing the Filling:
- Combine Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped guava paste, sugar, and lemon juice (if using). Mix well to ensure even distribution of sugar.
Assembling and Baking the Panetelas:
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a large rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick.
- Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the guava paste mixture over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll and Cut: Tightly roll the dough into a log, starting from one of the longer sides. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 1-inch thick slices.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the panetelas cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the egg wash (beaten egg and milk/cream).
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your warm Panetelas de Guayaba slightly cooled. They're delicious on their own, or you can dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Enjoy this easy recipe for a quick dinner dessert or an afternoon treat.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use unsalted butter and add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough.
- If you don't have guava paste, you can make your own by cooking mashed guavas with sugar until thickened. This is a rewarding homemade cooking project!
- Feel free to experiment with other fillings, such as dulce de leche or jam.
- For a beautiful presentation, use a piping bag to create decorative swirls of the guava filling on top of the baked panetelas.
Nutritional Information (per panetela, approximate):
Calories: Around 150-200 (This will vary based on the specific ingredients and portion size). This recipe can easily be incorporated into healthy meals for a balanced diet. Remember to check your specific ingredient nutritional labels for precise calculations.
This recipe provides a delicious and simple way to enjoy the wonderful flavors of guava. It's a great addition to your collection of food recipes, perfect for those looking for easy recipes and quick dinner ideas without sacrificing taste or quality. Enjoy the process of making these delightful little pastries, and savor every bite!