Empanadas are a delightful and versatile dish that has become a staple in Latin American cuisine. These savory pastries are filled with a flavorful mixture of beef, spices, and vegetables, encased in a buttery, flaky dough that crisps up beautifully when baked or fried. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, empanadas are highly customizable, allowing you to get creative with your fillings. Whether enjoyed on their own or dipped in a tangy sauce, these beef turnovers are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup cold water
- For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup green olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
- 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
- For Assembly:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
- Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the cold, diced butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg with cold water and add it to the flour mixture. Mix until the dough comes together.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead lightly. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper, cooking for another minute.
- Add the tomato sauce, green olives, raisins (if using), and chopped hard-boiled egg. Mix well and let the filling cool.
- Assemble the Empanadas:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter (about 4-5 inches in diameter) to cut out circles.
- Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and seal the edges with a fork.
- Transfer the empanadas to the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with the beaten egg wash.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
- Serve:
- Let the empanadas cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Enjoy these delicious and satisfying empanadas, perfect for any occasion!
