Mushroom and Cheese Pastelitos
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Mahatma® Jasmine Brown Rice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups mixed mushrooms, chopped
- 1 onion, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp cracked pepper
- 2/3 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp shredded mozzarella cheese
- 40 wonton wrappers
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
These pastelitos are perfect for your next party platter! These crispy mini pastelitos – packed with gooey cheese and flavorful mushrooms – are simple to make and satisfying to eat.
Step 1
In medium saucepan, cook rice according to package directions; set aside.
Step 2
Heat olive oil in large skillet set over medium heat; cook mushrooms, onion, bell pepper, garlic, oregano, chili powder, salt and pepper for 8 to 10 minutes or until mushrooms are browned, liquid is evaporated, and vegetables are tender and fragrant. Stir in tomato sauce; cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until thickened. Stir in cooked rice, Monterey Jack and mozzarella; set aside.
Step 3
Divide mushroom and rice mixture evenly among centers of wonton wrappers. Whisk egg with 1/4 cup water; brush along edges of each wrapper with fingers. Fold 1 corner of wrapper over to opposite corner to make triangle, enclosing filling; press edges with fork to seal.
Step 4
Heat vegetable oil in high-sided skillet set over medium heat until temperature reaches 350°F. Fry pastelitos in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Drain on paper towel–lined baking sheet; let cool slightly before serving. Sprinkle with parsley.
Flavor Tip
Serve with salsa verde or guacamole for dipping if desired.
Recipe Video
What are Wontons?
Generally made from an egg noodle dough, wonton wrappers are precut, paper thin dough that will bake up light and crispy. As they are precut, they are a quick and simple solution for ravioli, perogies, empanadas, and – of course – Pastelitos.
There are similar laminated dough options, but wonton is easy to work with – delicate enough to get a flakey crust, but rigid enough to not fall apart during assembly. Also, as pastelitos are fried, wonton is the way to go – puff pastry should be baked, and though phyllo dough can be baked or fried, it is quite fickle.
Air Fryer Alternative
Maybe these pastelitos are just the excuse you need to break out the air fryer. You’ll still get a crispy crust without using oil, just like in these Cheesy Beef and Rice Empanadas.
Meat Free Meals
Meatless meals can mean different things for different people. If you don’t mind chicken broth, some Traditional Mexican Rice could be up your alley. For those who are pescatarian, try your hand at making our Authentic Spanish Paella with Seafood. No matter your dietary preference, there are plenty of hearty vegetarian recipes for everyone! If you are looking for a delicious and easy side dish try our: Best coconut rice recipe.
