Pasteis de Carne

Ingredients
Pastry


 * 3 cups flour
 * 1 teaspoon salt
 * 10 tablespoons shortening, melted to lukewarm
 * 1/2 cup milk, mixed with
 * 1/2 cup hot water

Filling

oil (for deep frying)
 * 2 tablespoons oil
 * 1 onion, chopped
 * 1 clove garlic, smashed
 * 2 tomatoes, peeled,seeded and chopped
 * 1 lb ground beef
 * 1/2 teaspoon salt
 * 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
 * 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
 * 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, chopped
 * 8 green olives, chopped

Directions

 * To prepare the pastry, sift the flour and salt into a bowl.
 * Add the melted shortening and warm milk and water.
 * Mix to a smooth dough and cut into 2 pieces.
 * To prepare the filling, heat the oil in a frying pan, add the onion and garlic and fry for 5 minutes until soft and golden.
 * Add the tomatoes, ground beef and salt.
 * Simmer for 20 minutes until almost dry.
 * Remove from the heat.
 * Add the chopped parsley, egg, cheese and olives and mix well.
 * To assemble pastries, roll out the pastry on a floured board to 1/8 inch thickness.
 * Cut 12, 4 inch circles from each piece, 24 circles.
 * Place 1 tablespoon filling on each circle and moisten around the edge with warm water.
 * Fold over and seal the edges well.
 * Deep fry in preheated 375f degree oil for 4 to 5 minutes until golden and crisp.
 * Remove with slotted spoon and drain on absorbent paper towel.
 * The pastries are also delicious cold and make good picnic fare.
 * They may also be made without the ground beef.
 * Variation to replace ground beef, use finely chopped ham, chopped chicken, or shrimp.