Pastechi

Pastechi is a traditional Aruban breakfast or snack that is a crescent-shaped deep-fried dough with a filling.^[1][2][3][4] It is similar to an empanada, although empanadas often have a cornmeal crust whereas pastechis often have a plain pastry shell.^[5] The dough tends to be slightly sweet.^[6] The fillings can also be quite different.^[5] The filling widely varies and can include meat, seafood, vegetables, or cheese.^[1][4] The filling can also be combined with other ingredients such as onions, peppers, celery stalks, raisins, cumin, and nutmeg.^[1] Leftover meats, often roast chicken or pork, can be used for the recipe.^[5]

The dish is found throughout Aruba, particularly at roadside snack-bars or bakeries.^[1][7] However, even some top-rated restaurants on the island serve the dish.^[6] It can also be found in Curaçao and Bonaire.^[7] The dish is often served at parties as well and tend to be smaller than the ones that are purchased with the party size approximately 10 centimeters in diameter.^[7]

The pastechi reflects the diverse ethnic and culinary influences in Aruba, such as from Indonesia and the Netherlands.^[2][5] For instance, the dish can utilize sambal olek or Indonesian chili paste.^[5]

References

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