A Pastechi is stuffed fried pastry found in the Antillean Islands, they are usually crescent shaped and can contain any number of fillings, usually savory. 
Here in St. Maarten we call them Pastechis or Patties and the usual fillings are Chicken, Beef, Cheese, Corned Beef, Tuna or Saltfish. Most snack stands on the island have them, along with the ubiquitous johnny cake, but you can make them at home as well.
A Pastechi 
is also called
 a Pattie, Patty, Pasty, Empenada, Paste and Pate.

PASTECHI DOUGH

INGREDIENTS

  • 1½ cup plain flour
  • 5 tablespoons cold butter, margarine or shortening
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¾ cup ice water
  • ½ teaspoon of salt

DIRECTIONS

  1. In a food processor blend salt, baking powder and flour until thoroughly combined. Add cubed butter and ice cold water, alternating, until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
  2. Let the dough rest for at least an hour.
  3. Cut the dough into small equal portions to make the pastry for each pastechi. 
  4. Roll each portion into a flat thin round piece about 10cm wide. 
  5. The round dough is ready for wrapping the pastechi.
  6. Spoon a small amount of your filling into center of the dough circle and fold the dough over to close the dough around the filling. Fold or crimp the edges closed and repeat with the rest of the dough. 
  7. Don't over-stuff your pastechi, and make sure they are sealed, they could pop open and allow the ingredients to leak out while cooking.
  8. Fry the pastechis until golden brown and bubbled on both sides, about 2 or 3 minutes, carefully flipping half way through. 
  9. Drain on paper towels until cool. Eat.
This recipe makes about 8 Pastechis, it depends on how big you want them. Just double the recipe as needed.

SAVORY PASTECHI FILLINGS

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SHREDDED CHEESE
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SHREDDED COOKED SALT FISH
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COOKED SEASONED BEEF
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SHREDDED COOKED CHICKEN
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ROASTED VEGETABLES
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SHREDDED COOKED CORNED BEEF