Define Pastillas.
Pastillas are small, square-shaped pastes that are typically used to make baked goods like cookies and brownies. They are not to be confused with a peanut butter cookie, which is also often called a ‘pastie’ or ‘pasty.’ While most people think of pastry when they think of pastillas, the terms ‘pastille’ and ‘pastie’ may refer to any small, square-shaped food paste used for baking.
Many varieties of pastillas exist, including red, yellow, and green pastillas, each with their own unique taste. While not all pastillas are healthy, there are options like yellow and green pastillas that are low in fat and high in fiber, if you are watching your weight.
How Do Pastillas Work?
Just like their name would suggest, pastillas are used to make baked goods. For instance, you can take a red or yellow pastilla and sandwich it between two pieces of cake for a delicious and healthy snack alternative. You can find many uses for pastillas, whether it’s in dessert creations or meat pies. In fact, some people prefer to eat them as a dessert instead of cookies or brownies because of their unique flavor!
When you eat pastillas, you are essentially chewing on pieces of cake or pastry because that is what makes up most of the food item. Although the ingredients may change, the overall texture and taste should remain the same. While some may consider cakey snacks like brownies and cookies to be junk food because of their high fat and sugar content, some may consider pastillas to be a healthier choice because of their high fiber, low calorie, and butter-free content.
Benefits Of Pastillas.
Apart from being able to use it in place of cookies and cake, there are several other benefits to pastillas. First, they are a great way to add a sweet and sour or salty flavor to your foods, without adding many extra calories. For example, you can take a red or yellow pastilla and add it to a stir-fry to bring out the flavor of the fruit while helping to prevent your body from getting too much sugar. You can also use them to add a bit of spice to your dishes like ginger or black pepper. Second, just because something is healthy doesn’t mean it has to be bland. Baked goods made with pastillas are full of flavor and have a texture that is somewhere between cakey and crispy. Third, since they are made with whole wheat flour instead of white flour, you will get some of the healthy benefits of wheat, including fiber and protein. Fourth, since most baked goods made with pastillas have an oblong shape, they help to retain the shape of your food while baking, preventing dishes from falling apart or getting smashed during cooking.
Apart from having these wonderful properties, some people also consider pastillas to be a more natural alternative to refined sugar and white flour. Many brands of pastillas, like Atkins, Bob’s Red Mill, and Now Mill, are often made using whole wheat flour, all-natural ingredients, and no artificial colors or flavors.
Where Do I Buy Pastillas?
If you are looking for a reliable source for high-quality, gluten-free, and vegan pastillas, you can find them at your local grocery store in the produce section. Just look for the words ‘pastillas’ or ‘pasty’ in the ingredients list and make sure that they are stocked in the vegan section.
Paste-based desserts are a great choice for people on a gluten-free diet or vegan diet because they are often made with ingredients like rice, potato, or tapioca starch, which are less likely to be cross-contaminated with gluten or egg products. While some people may be used to eating only low-fat foods because of their hearts or cholesterol levels, others may find pastillas to be a healthier option because they have less empty calories.
Whether you’re looking for a healthier option for dessert or a healthier way to add some spice to your dishes, you can find many uses for pastillas. Just remember to stay away from the ‘pasty’ or ‘pastie’ variety, which are often made with peanut butter. Pastillas are a great choice because they are often sweet, full of flavor, and can offer a healthier alternative to many baked goods that are commonly found in American restaurants. Plus, adding a square-shaped piece of pastry to your food is always fun to do!