Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped red pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped yellow pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped garlic
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 package empanada dough (12-14 pieces)
- 1 egg, beaten
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
3. Add the chopped onion, green pepper, red pepper, yellow pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
4. Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, white vinegar, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley and cilantro.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the empanada dough to 1/8 inch thickness.
8. Cut the dough into 4-inch circles using a cookie cutter or a glass.
9. Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto each circle of dough.
10. Fold the dough over the filling and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
11. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
12. Brush the beaten egg over the empanadas.
13. Bake the empanadas for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
Makes 12-14 empanadas
Nutritional information:
Calories: 250
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 14g
Sodium: 400mg
Sugar: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken.
- Red, green, and yellow peppers can be substituted with any color bell pepper.
- Tomato sauce can be substituted with canned diced tomatoes.
- Ketchup can be substituted with tomato paste.
- White vinegar can be substituted with apple cider vinegar.
Variations:
- Add chopped olives or raisins to the beef mixture for a sweet and savory twist.
- Use a different type of meat, such as chorizo or shredded chicken.
- Add cheese to the filling for a cheesy empanada.
- Serve with a side of salsa or guacamole.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to crimp the edges of the empanadas tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out.
- If the dough is too sticky, dust it with flour.
- Empanadas can be frozen before baking. To bake, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the empanadas in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the empanadas on a platter with a side of salsa or guacamole.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side of rice and beans.
- Pair with a refreshing mojito or Cuba Libre cocktail.
Suggested side dishes:
- Black beans and rice
- Grilled plantains
- Avocado salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the empanadas are not sealing properly, try brushing the edges with water before crimping.
- If the filling is too dry, add a splash of beef broth or water to the skillet.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftover empanadas in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
- Empanadas originated in Spain and were brought to Latin America by Spanish colonizers.
- The Cuban frita is a popular street food in Cuba, consisting of a seasoned beef patty served on a bun with onions and potato sticks.
Flavor profiles:
- The Cuban frita empanadas are savory and slightly spicy, with a hint of sweetness from the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the empanadas as an appetizer or main dish.
- Great for parties or game day snacks.
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Region: Cuban