Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup green olives, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Rolling pin
- Empanada cutter or a small bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
For the dough:
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Add the chilled and diced butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the water and mix until the dough comes together.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
For the filling:
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until softened.
3. Add the cumin, paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes, raisins, and chopped olives.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook for another 5 minutes until the flavors are well combined.
6. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Assembly:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
3. Use an empanada cutter or a small bowl to cut out circles of dough.
4. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the filling onto the center of each circle.
5. Fold the dough over the filling and use a fork to crimp the edges together.
6. Brush the empanadas with beaten egg.
7. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Time:
Preparation time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
5. Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
Makes about 12 empanadas
Nutritional information:
Calories: 292
Fat: 17g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 11g
Sodium: 247mg
Sugar: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground chicken or turkey.
- Raisins can be substituted with dried cranberries or currants.
- Green olives can be substituted with black olives or capers.
Variations:
- Add chopped hard-boiled eggs to the filling.
- Use a mixture of ground beef and pork for the filling.
- Add chopped bell peppers or tomatoes to the filling.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is chilled before adding it to the flour mixture.
- Don't overfill the empanadas or they will burst open during baking.
- Brushing the empanadas with beaten egg will give them a shiny and golden brown crust.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place the empanadas on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the empanadas on a platter with a side of chimichurri sauce.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Sliced green onions
- Lime wedges
Pairings:
- Serve with a side of rice and beans.
- Pair with a glass of Malbec wine.
Suggested side dishes:
- Spanish rice
- Black beans
- Grilled vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more water.
- If the empanadas burst open during baking, try sealing the edges more tightly.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the ground beef is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Store leftover empanadas in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Food history:
- Empanadas are a popular dish in many Latin American countries, including Argentina.
- They are believed to have originated in Spain and were brought to the Americas by Spanish colonizers.
Flavor profiles:
- The filling for these empanadas has a savory and slightly sweet flavor from the combination of ground beef, raisins, and olives.
- The dough is buttery and flaky.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the empanadas as an appetizer or a main dish.
- They are great for parties or gatherings.
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Region: Argentine