Brazilian Hearts Of Palm Pastries Recipes

BRAZIL, HEARTS OF PALM SALAD & BASIL DRESSING

Steps:

• In salad bowl, layer tomatoes, hearts of palm, olives and feta.
• Using a mortar and pestle, mash the basil leaves and salt together. Add the pepper, olive oil and lime juice, mix well.
• Drizzle basil dressing over salad.

BAKED HEARTS OF PALM

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Toss hearts of palm with all ingredients and spread evenly in glass pan.
• Bake for approx 20 minutes or until lightly crisped/browned.

BRAZIL, HEARTS OF PALM RISOTTO

Steps:

• Bring stock to a boil in a medium saucepan.
• In a large pan, heat olive oil and butter over high heat. Add the onion and cook until it's transparent.
• Pour in the rice and stir for 1 minute; add the wine and stir until it's absorbed.
• Add the stock a 1/4 cup measure at a time, and stir constantly until it's absorbed. Repeat this step until the rice is al dente, or still a little bit hard.
• One minute before it's ready, add the hearts of palm and mix well.
• Remove from heat, add butter, parsley and cheese and mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste, if desired. Risotto should be a little creamy, not dry.
• Serve immediately.
• *note: the hearts of palm need to be soft, because they don't cook long at all. If using canned and they are salty, rinse them. If they aren't soft or fresh, zap them in the microwave for 45 seconds on 500.

SIMPLE HEART OF PALM & TOMATO SALAD

Steps:

• Mix together the hearts of palm, tomatoes and spring onions. Whisk together the sherry vinegar and olive oil. Drizzle over the salad. Sprinkle with the parsley, toss everything together and serve.

PASTEL DE PALMITO

Steps:

• You can make the dough by hand or use a food processor. Place the flour in a large bowl or food processor with some salt. Add the vegetable shortening and mix well or pulse until it makes crumbs. Stir in the egg, vinegar and the rum, then pour the water gradually until the mixture comes together as a dough. Knead the mixture once more, wrap in cling film and chill for 1 hr.
• Make the filling by heating the oil in a frying pan. Add the onion and garlic and season. Fry for 5 mins until soft and add the tomatoes, parsley and hearts of palm. Fry for another min and remove from heat.
• Halve the dough and using a floured surface, roll out the dough into a large square about 30cm X 30cm. Use a pastry cutter to make 6 squares. Repeat with the second piece of dough. If it's too soft, place it in the fridge, before adding the filling, to firm up again.
• Using a pastry brush lightly brush the edges of the square with water. Add 2 tbsp of the filling, a tiny dollop of cream cheese and fold over. Use a fork to press the edges together and seal. Chill until ready to fry. Place the pastries on a layer of baking paper, top with another and then wrap in cling film to stay dry until using.
• Heat 7.5-10cm vegetable oil in a wok or small heavy saucepan. It's ready when a small piece of bread dropped in sizzles immediately. Fry the pastels in batches for about 2-3 mins or until golden brown and bubbly. Drain on kitchen paper and fry the rest. Serve warm with napkins.

HEARTS OF PALM SALAD WITH LIME & HONEY DRESSING

Steps:

• Blanch the green beans for 1-2 mins in boiling salted water, drain and rinse in cold water. Dry on a tea towel and put in a large salad bowl.
• Squeeze some lemon over the onion and avocados and let sit for 1 min. Add the tomatoes, hearts of palm, olives, onion, and avocado to the beans.
• Put the dressing ingredients in a small jar with a fitted lid. Add some seasoning and shake well. Just before serving, pour the dressing over and mix.