Api con Pastel is a traditional Bolivian recipe a classic breakfast of a purple maize flour drink served with a cheese-filled pastry. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic Bolivian dish of: Api con Pastel.
(click this button to prevent the screen from sleeping so Cook Mode is 'ON')
Api is a warm, spiced corn drink traditionally served for breakfast with a fried pastry.
Ingredients:
For the Api:
500h purple maize flour
2l water
2 cinnamon sticks
4 cloves
100g sugar (or to taste)
½ tsp ground anise
½ tsp ground cinnamon
For the Pastel:
250g plain (all-purpose) flour
2 tbsp butter, melted
½ tsp salt
125ml warm water
100g cheese (queso fresco or mozzarella), grated
Vegetable oil, for frying
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Method:
Begin with the Api In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add cinnamon sticks and cloves. Let it simmer for 10 minutes for the flavours to infuse. In a separate bowl, dissolve the purple corn flour in 500ml of cold water. Stir until smooth. Slowly add the dissolved flour to the pot, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add sugar, ground anise, and ground cinnamon. Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens (about 20 minutes).
For the Pastel Dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the melted butter and warm water, combining until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured work surface for 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Return to the bowl, cover and set aside to rest for 20 minutes.
Divide the dough into small balls and roll each into thin circles. Place a spoonful of grated cheese on one side of each circle, then fold it over to form a semi-circle. Seal the edges by pressing with the tines of a fork.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Fry the pasteles in batches until golden brown and crispy (about 2-3 minutes per side). Drain on kitchen paper and dust with powdered sugar.
Serve the Api hot in mugs alongside the freshly-fried Pasteles. This combination of a sweet, spiced drink with a cheesy, crispy pastry is perfect for a cozy breakfast or snack.
Click on the image, above to submit to Pinterest.