Mini heart of palm pies are a tasty treat you don't want to miss! Imagine a flaky crust filled with creamy hearts of palm—yum! �� This dish has roots in Brazilian cuisine and offers a unique twist on traditional pastries. Isn't it exciting to try something new? You can easily make these pies by mixing simple ingredients like flour, butter, and hearts of palm. Just remember to chill the dough and let the flavors mix. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in! Ready to impress your friends with this delightful recipe? There's so much more to explore about these tasty bites!

History

The history of Mini Heart of Palm Pies, or empadinha de palmito, reflects Brazil's rich culinary heritage influenced by Portuguese colonization. Did you know that this savory treat comes from the medieval *pastelões* brought by the Portuguese?

In fact, as with the versatile Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer, which offers various cooking functions, the empadinha showcases adaptability in its fillings. In the 19th century, meatless days led to the creation of empadas de caixa, traditionally filled with chicken. However, hearts of palm (*palmito*) became a popular filling, showcasing Brazil's unique twist on the dish.

The empadinha features a delicate crust called *masa podre*, which is similar to *pâte brisée*. Today, these tasty pies are a hit at social gatherings, highlighting the love for savory snacks in Brazilian culture.

Recipe

Empadinha de Palmito, or mini heart of palm pies, are delightful Brazilian treats that combine a flaky crust with a creamy, savory filling. These bite-sized pastries are perfect for serving at gatherings, as they can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

The key to their deliciousness lies in the rich flavors of the hearts of palm combined with the buttery texture of the crust. For those who love to grill, consider pairing these empadinhas with a George Foreman Grill for a quick and easy meal. They aren't only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making them a popular choice for appetizers and snacks.

Making empadinhas requires a bit of preparation, especially when it comes to chilling the dough and allowing the flavors of the filling to meld. The process might seem intricate, but with a little patience and attention, you'll be rewarded with these exquisite mini pies.

Once you master the technique of rolling out the dough and sealing the filling, you'll find yourself returning to this recipe time and again for its comforting flavors and satisfying crunch.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 8 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 egg (for the egg mixture)
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 clove minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sautéing)
• 1 cup chopped hearts of palm
• 2 tablespoons flour (for roux)
• 1 cup milk (for roux)

Cooking Instructions:

Begin by preparing the dough: combine the flour, chilled butter, salt, and egg mixture in a bowl until a crumbly texture forms, then refrigerate for at least one hour.

For the filling, sauté the onion and garlic in butter until softened, then stir in the chopped hearts of palm. Prepare a roux by whisking together the flour and milk in a saucepan until thickened, then combine it with the hearts of palm mixture.

Roll out the chilled dough, cut out rounds, fill them with about 1 tablespoon of the heart of palm filling, seal the edges, and cut vents on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Extra Tips:

To enhance the flavor of your empadinhas, consider adding herbs such as thyme or parsley to the filling for an aromatic touch.

If you're short on time, you can also use store-bought pastry dough, which will save you some preparation time. Be sure to chill the dough properly to achieve that flaky texture.

Additionally, feel free to experiment with different fillings, like cheese or vegetables, to create your own variations of this classic dish. Enjoy your cooking!

Final Thoughts

Enjoying mini heart of palm pies brings a taste of Brazil to your table, making them a delightful choice for any occasion. These Empadinha de Palmito aren't just savory hand pies; they're a celebration of flavors!

With their flaky dough and creamy hearts of palm filling, each bite is simply irresistible. The baking experience can be even more enjoyable when using high-quality bakeware, such as Calphalon nonstick bakeware sets, which guarantee even heating and easy release of your delicious creations.

Have you ever baked something that turned golden brown and looked so good you couldn't wait to taste it? That's what these pies do! Perfect as appetizers, they're also great for sharing with friends.

Plus, you can dip them in versatile sauces to enhance the experience. So, whether it's a party or a cozy dinner, these traditional Brazilian treats are sure to impress!