Pastes Real de Minas

Pastes come from the state of Hidalgo and were the common lunch for many mine workers. They are very similar to what is more commonly known as empanadas and you can put any combination of fillings really. They are good for breakfast, lunch or just as a snack.

Ingredients:
500 gr flower
½ teaspoon salt
3 eggs
200 gr vegetable fat
250 gr beer
50 gr canola oil or other vegetable oil
120 gr sliced onion
200 gr sliced leek
300 gr beef file cut into very small cubes
250 gr shredded potato
150 ml bullion
Salt and Pepper
2 tablespoons parsley
2 canned chiles serranos

Preparation:
· Mix the flower, salt, eggs, vegetable fat and beer into a paste, cover with a plastic bag and set aside in a warm place for 40 minutes.
· In a hot pan fry the onion and leek for about 5 minutes, add the meat, and then add the potatoes. Fry for about 10 minutes and add the bullion. Reduce the mixture and add parsley, chile and salt and pepper for flavor.
· Roll the flower mixture flat and cut medium size circles.
· Fill the circles with the meat mixture and fold in half circles and close. Brush the pastes with an egg.
· Place the pastes into a greased baking sheet and bake at 170C for 20 minutes until they turn slightly brown.