Trinidad Pastelle Pie Recipe
The Trinidad Pastelle Pie Recipe is warm and tasty. It’s full of flavor and very easy to make. This dish is like the famous Trinidad pastelle but made into a pie.
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 1 pound ground beef or chicken or turkey
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small bell pepper chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon capers optional
- 1 tablespoon raisins
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup water
For the cornmeal layer:
- 2 cups cornmeal
- 3 cups milk or water
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
For topping:
- ½ cup shredded cheese optional
Instructions
Cook the Meat Filling
- Heat oil in a frying pan. Add onions, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until they are soft. Add the ground meat and stir until it turns brown. Add tomato paste, thyme, salt, pepper and paprika. Mix well. Add capers and raisins if you like. Pour in water and let it cook for 10 minutes. The mix should be thick and tasty.
Prepare the Cornmeal Mix
- Heat milk or water in a pan. Add butter and salt. Slowly pour in the cornmeal while stirring. Keep stirring so it doesn’t lump. Cook on low heat until it gets thick and smooth. Take off the heat and let it cool for a bit.
Layer the Pie
- Grease your baking dish. Spread half of the cornmeal at the bottom. Press it flat with a spoon. Add the cooked meat mix on top. Then cover with the rest of the cornmeal. Smooth the top gently with a spoon.
Add Cheese and Bake
- If you like cheese, sprinkle it on top. Bake in a hot oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes. Bake until the top is golden and firm.
Cool and Serve
- Let the pie cool for 10 minutes before cutting. This helps it stay firm. Cut into pieces and serve warm. Enjoy your Trinidad Pastelle Pie full of Caribbean flavor.
Notes
- Use fine cornmeal for a soft and smooth pie.
- Add raisins and capers for true island taste.
- Try chicken or turkey instead of beef for variety.
- Add a bit of hot pepper if you like it spicy.
- Brush butter on top before baking for extra shine.