Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›On Swann›Empanada Recipe

Empanada Recipe

Inspired by On Swann
Time3h
Serves12

short rib | manchego | aji & ajo salsa

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Ingredients

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For the Empanada Dough

For the Filling

For Aji & Ajo Salsa

Method

Empanada Dough Preparation

  1. 1

    Make the Dough

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the chilled, cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

  2. 2

    Add Egg Yolk and Water

    Stir in the egg yolk and gradually add cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Knead lightly on a floured surface until smooth.

  3. 3

    Chill the Dough

    Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Filling Preparation

  1. 4

    Cook the Short Ribs

    In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the short ribs with salt and black pepper. Add them to the pot and brown on all sides.

  2. 5

    Sauté Onion and Garlic

    Once the ribs are browned, remove them from the pot. In the same pot, add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent.

  3. 6

    Simmer Ribs

    Return the short ribs to the pot, add enough water to cover, and simmer on low heat for about 2-3 hours until tender. Once cooked, shred the meat.

  4. 7

    Combine Filling Ingredients

    In a bowl, mix the shredded short ribs with grated manchego cheese and chopped cilantro. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Aji & Ajo Salsa Preparation

  1. 8

    Blend Salsa Ingredients

    In a blender, combine the chopped aji peppers, minced garlic, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and water. Blend until smooth.

  2. 9

    Taste and Adjust

    Taste the salsa and adjust salt or lime juice as needed. Set aside.

Assembly and Cooking

  1. 10

    Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. 11

    Roll Out Dough

    On a floured surface, roll out the chilled empanada dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into circles using a round cutter.

  3. 12

    Fill Empanadas

    Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal.

  4. 13

    Bake Empanadas

    Place the filled empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

  5. 14

    Serve

    Serve the empanadas warm with the aji & ajo salsa on the side.

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