Pastelitos – crisp corn turnovers with beef and rice

Ingredients

• 300 g masa harina, nixtamalised corn flour
• about 3.5 dl lukewarm water
• ½ tsp salt for dough
• ½ tsp ground achiote or mild paprika
• 250 g minced beef
• 120 g cooked rice
• 1 small finely chopped onion
• 1 finely chopped garlic clove
• 1 tbsp oil for filling
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp salt for filling
• ½ tsp pepper
• 7 dl neutral frying oil

Method

1. 1Mix masa harina, water, salt and achiote into a soft dough. Rest for 15 minutes and add water if it cracks.
2. 2Sauté onion and garlic in 1 tbsp oil. Cook beef through, then add cumin, salt and pepper. Fold in cooked rice and cool.
3. 3Divide dough into twelve. Press each piece into a circle between sheets of baking paper or cling film.
4. 4Add a small spoonful of filling, fold into a crescent and seal edges firmly.
5. 5Fry at 175°C for 3–4 minutes until golden and crisp. Drain and serve hot.