Empanadas Recipe
Delicious hand-made pastries filled with your choice of meat or vegetables.
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Ingredients
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Dough
Filling (Meat or Vegetables)
Method
Dough Preparation
- 1
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 tsp of salt. Mix thoroughly.
- 2
Add Butter
Cut 1 cup of unsalted butter into small cubes and add to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- 3
- 4
Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Filling Preparation
- 5
Cook the Filling
In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
- 6
Add Vegetables and Meat
Add 1 chopped bell pepper and 1 lb of ground beef (or meat of choice) to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through.
- 7
Season the Filling
Stir in 1 tsp of cumin, 1 tsp of paprika, 0.5 tsp of salt, and 0.5 tsp of black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- 8
Cool the Filling
Remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool completely before using.
Empanada Assembly
- 9
Roll Out the Dough
On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out circles of dough (about 4-5 inches in diameter).
- 10
Fill the Empanadas
Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill.
- 11
Cooking the Empanadas
- 12
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 13
Bake the Empanadas
Place the assembled empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- 14
Serve
Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.