These pastelitos came out so good !! 🇩🇴🥰

Making pastelitos from scratch is such a rewarding experience. When I first tried making my own dough, I realized how important it is to let it rest properly—about an hour in the fridge and then another 15 minutes after shaping really helps to get that perfect texture. For the filling, using shrimp cooked in a rich red sauce brings a burst of Caribbean flavor that pairs wonderfully with the flaky dough. One key tip I picked up is to season the dough slightly—it might seem simple, but adding a bit of salt to the dough before rolling made a big difference in taste for me. Shaping pastelitos can be a little tricky at first, but with practice, they become easier and look more uniform. You can experiment with different fillings too, like ground beef, chicken, or cheese, depending on your preference. These turnovers make great snacks or appetizers for any occasion and are perfect for sharing a taste of Dominican culture with friends and family. I love how fresh and different these pastelitos taste compared to store-bought versions, especially since you control the ingredients and seasoning. If you love Dominican food or want to try something new, this pastelito recipe is definitely worth the effort!