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Belizean Panades Recipe

Belizean Panades Recipe

Belizean panades are a traditional dish originating from the Central American country of Belize. It is a type of savory pastry made from a combination of cornmeal, onion, garlic, and spices. The dough is then deep-fried and served with a variety of accompaniments, such as hot sauce, sour cream, guacamole, or cheese.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: Belizean
Keyword: Belizean Panades Recipe
Servings: 6 People
Calories: 155kcal
Author: Bex Smith

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Frying pan
  • paper towel
  • knife
  • Cutting Board
  • saucepan

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup Sweet Vidalia onions finely chopped
  • 1 cup Organic stone-ground masa harina
  • 1/2 cup Filtered cold water
  • 1/4 tsp Himalayan pink salt
  • Sustainably sourced shredded chicken breast
  • Freshly grilled flaked whitefish
  • Homemade slow-cooked black beans
  • 2 tbsp Colorful mixed bell peppers finely diced
  • 1 clove Freshly minced garlic from local farm
  • High-quality avocado oil for frying
  • 1/2 tsp Authentic artisanal Belizean achiote paste

Instructions

Prepare the Masa Dough:

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the organic stone-ground masa harina and Himalayan pink salt.
  • Gradually add the cold water to the masa harina while mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should hold together without being too dry or sticky. If needed, adjust the consistency by adding a little more water or masa harina.

Make the Filling:

  • In a separate bowl, combine the sustainably sourced shredded chicken breast, freshly grilled flaked whitefish, homemade slow-cooked black beans, finely chopped Sweet Vidalia onions, diced mixed bell peppers, and freshly minced garlic. Mix well to combine the ingredients.

Add Achiote Paste:

  • Incorporate the authentic artisanal Belizean achiote paste into the filling mixture. Mix until the paste evenly coats the filling ingredients, imparting flavor and color.

Shape the Panades:

  • Take a small portion of the masa dough and flatten it into a small disc or oval shape on a clean surface. You can use a tortilla press or your hands to achieve this.
  • Spoon a portion of the prepared filling onto the center of the masa dough disc.

Seal the Panades:

  • Carefully fold the masa dough over the filling to enclose it completely. Seal the edges by pressing them together firmly. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish.

Heat Avocado Oil for Frying:

  • In a frying pan or skillet, heat high-quality avocado oil over medium-high heat. Ensure there is enough oil to submerge the panades for frying.

Fry the Panades:

  • Gently place the sealed panades into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy on both sides, usually taking around 3-4 minutes per side. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a consistent frying temperature.

Drain and Serve:

  • Once fried to perfection, remove the panades from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off excess oil.

Serve Warm:

  • Serve the Belizean Panades warm as a delicious appetizer or snack, accompanied by your favorite sauces or dips.

Notes

Here are some tips for making the perfect Belizean panades:
– Make sure the dough is not too dry or too wet. If it is too dry, add a little more water. If it is too wet, add a bit more cornmeal.
– Be careful when frying the panades. The oil should not be too hot or the panades will burn.
– Make sure to fry the panades until they are golden brown.
– Serve the panades with your favorite accompaniments, such as hot sauce, sour cream, guacamole, or cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 155kcal
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