Recipee

How to Make Crispy and Delicious Beef Empanadas

Empanadas are a popular snack enjoyed worldwide, particularly in South America and Spain. They are essentially pastry dough pockets filled with savory ingredients. Today, we'll guide you through making beef empanadas, perfect for your next gathering.

Ingredients (For 20-25 Empanadas):

For the Pastry Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cold butter (cut into small pieces)
• 1/3 cup cold water
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp salt

For the Beef Filling:

• 250g ground beef
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 bell pepper (chopped)
• 1 carrot (diced)
• 1/4 cup peas (optional)
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika or chili powder (to taste)
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional)
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pastry Dough:

In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add cold butter and mix with your fingers until the mixture looks crumbly. Add the egg and cold water and gently mix to form a dough. Wrap in cling film and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Filling:

Heat oil in a pan. Sauté onion and garlic until golden. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Add bell pepper, carrot, peas, and stir for 5-7 minutes. Add coriander, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Once cooked, stir in cilantro and let the filling cool.

3. Assemble the Empanadas:

Remove dough from the fridge and divide into small balls. Roll each ball into a 4-5 inch circle. Add 1 tablespoon of the filling to one side of the circle. Fold the dough over and seal the edges by pressing with a fork. Brush the top with beaten egg.

4. Baking:

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the empanadas for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your delicious beef empanadas hot with a side of tomato sauce or your favorite chutney. They make an excellent snack for tea time or special gatherings.

Tips:

• Make sure the butter is cold when preparing the dough to ensure a flaky texture.
• You can substitute beef with chicken or vegetables for a different variation.
• If preferred, you can deep fry the empanadas instead of baking.