Dairy-Free Pastelitos Criollos (Fried Pastries)

Ingredients

• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.5 cup Vegan butter
• 0.75 cup Water
• 0.5 lb Quince paste (dulce de membrillo)
• 2 cups Vegetable oil

Instructions

1. 1In a large bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour and the 0.5 tsp of salt. Add the 0.5 cup of vegan butter and use your fingertips or a pastry blender to cut it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2Gradually add the 0.75 cup of water, mixing until a cohesive dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times to bring it together. Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes.
3. 3Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a rough square. Cut the 0.5 lb of quince paste into 6 equal pieces and place one piece in the center of each dough square.
4. 4Fold each dough square in half diagonally to form a triangle, pressing the edges firmly to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a more secure seal.
5. 5Pour the 2 cups of vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pan. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test if the oil is ready by dropping a tiny piece of dough into it; it should sizzle immediately.
6. 6Carefully place 2-3 pastelitos into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to turn them.
7. 7Remove the fried pastelitos from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining pastelitos.

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