Empanadas

Here’s a classic empanadas recipe, which can be customized with your favorite filling, like beef, chicken, cheese, or vegetables. This version is for beef empanadas:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ cup cold butter, cubed
• 1 egg
• ⅓ cup ice water
• 1 tbsp vinegar

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ cup bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for heat)
• ¼ cup green olives, sliced
• ¼ cup raisins (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped (optional)
• Olive oil for sautéing

For Assembly:

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Cut in the butter: Add the cubed butter and mix until the texture becomes crumbly, like sand.
3. Add wet ingredients: Beat the egg with the ice water and vinegar. Gradually add it to the flour mixture, mixing until the dough just comes together.
4. Chill the dough: Shape the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling:

1. Cook the beef: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper, cooking until soft.
2. Add the ground beef: Cook the beef, breaking it up into small pieces until browned.
3. Season: Add cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Add remaining ingredients: Stir in the olives and raisins (if using). Remove from heat and let cool. If using a hard-boiled egg, add it after the mixture cools.

Assemble the Empanadas:

1. Roll the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ⅛ inch thickness. Cut out circles using a round cutter (4-6 inches in diameter).
2. Fill the empanadas: Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, pressing the edges to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork.
3. Egg wash: Beat the remaining egg and brush it over the tops of the empanadas.
4. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Optional:

You can deep-fry the empanadas in hot oil (350°F) for about 4-6 minutes, until golden.

Enjoy!

These empanadas are delicious hot, warm, or at room temperature!